Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has made headlines by declining the opportunity to represent Team USA in their next major tournament. The 22-year-old recently played a crucial role for the United States men’s basketball team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they secured a gold medal after winning all six of their games. In the final, Team USA defeated France 98-87 at the Accor Arena.
Anthony Edwards Declines Team USA Invitation for Next Tournament FIBA Basketball World Cup Scheduled for 2027
Edwards, who earned his first Olympic gold medal this summer, had previously represented Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines. Unfortunately, the team fell short of expectations, finishing fourth after a 127-118 overtime loss to Canada in the bronze medal game.
Before the World Cup, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr named Edwards as “the guy” for a team composed of young, emerging talents, a departure from the star-studded rosters typically seen in Olympic play.
When asked by Joe Vardon of The Athletic about his interest in participating in the next FIBA World Cup, Edwards gave a straightforward response: “Hell nah.”
This decision casts doubt on whether Edwards will complete the full slate of achievements available to a Team USA player, as the FIBA World Cup and the Summer Olympics are the two premier international basketball tournaments.
The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will take place in Qatar from August 27 to September 12. The United States has struggled in recent editions of the tournament, finishing seventh in 2019 under coach Gregg Popovich and last winning the title in 2014 in Spain.
Edwards Reflects on 2024 Paris Olympics Experience
Edwards expressed his joy at being part of the Team USA squad in Paris. The two-time NBA All-Star participated in all six games, with his standout performance coming against Puerto Rico in the final group stage game, where he scored 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Additionally, Edwards cherished the opportunity to play alongside his idol, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.
“I can’t speak on that. I can only speak on what I got around my neck right now… This was the most fun I ever had playing basketball,” Edwards said, reflecting on his Olympic experience.
The Atlanta native averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in 16.3 minutes per game in Paris, proving to be a valuable contributor off the bench. Many expect him to take on a leadership role for Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Edwards, who led the Timberwolves to a Western Conference Finals appearance in the 2023-24 NBA season, continues to be a rising star in the basketball world. Minnesota finished the regular season with the third-best record in the Western Conference at 56-26.
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