Does Tyrese Haliburton deserve a spot on the Team USA roster? As most NBA fans should be aware the 2024 Paris Olympics will begin soon and Team USA is favored to win the gold medal. Since they were unable to win the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the US has sent their best available players.
While each player representing Team USA has undoubtedly done enough to prove themselves as an elite talent, some are simply more experienced when compared to others. In fact, the gap in experience and accomplishments between members on the roster is something that might interest fans.
Tyrese Haliburton is one of the least experienced players on Team USA
With a roster primarily consisting of stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton is the odd star out. He is nowhere close to the majority of his new teammates in terms of accomplishments. After all, Haliburton is 24 years old and only established himself as a certified star in recent times.
Although he managed to carry the Indiana Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals this season, there are simply other guards who have done more throughout their career to earn this position. However, Haliburton did average 20.1 points and 10.8 assists this season.
Those numbers clearly prove that his role will primarily be on facilitating for his teammates. While Haliburton ended up getting the spot on the Team USA roster, many fans believe that another star should have gotten it over Haliburton.Several other stars could have been given a spot on Team USA
Kyrie Irving managed to prove all doubters wrong this season by helping the Dallas Mavericks make it all the way to the NBA Finals. Although he did not play too well and ended up losing the Finals, Irving has done a lot more throughout his career and established himself as one of the best point guards in the league.
The same case could be made for Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and several others. One must wonder if Haliburton is better than or more experienced than these stars. If Team USA does not end up winning, fans may blame Tyrese Haliburton and claim that he was unable to live up to the pressure. Unless he plays particularly well, his selection will be scrutinized.