Timberwolves teammates pivot to fierce opponents in World Cup
By Bret Stuter
While there has been at least a modest protest over the interest of Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star center Rudy Gobert’s interest in competing for France in the upcoming World Cup competition, he is not the only player doing so. In fact, the Minnesota Timberwolves roster boasts four players competing on four separate national teams in this year’s World Cup competition.
And so it goes, competitive basketball players compete. This summer, the chance to compete for the World Cup opens up a lot of opportunities from among the Minnesota Timberwolves roster’s best players to compete against the world’s best players. Is anyone surprised that four Timberwolves players are heading for global competition? They are:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be playing on the Canadian World Cup team this August
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) July 14, 2023
Might be forgetting someone, but I believe that makes four Wolves players playing in the World Cup
Anthony Edwards (USA)
Rudy Gobert (France)
Luka Garza (Bosnia)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Canada) https://t.co/pqeg4nVosd
While the USA team disappointingly did not extend an invitation to Timberwolves’ small forward Jaden McDaniels, that is still a very impressive array of representation for the Timberwolves roster.
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What are the risks?
Anytime a basketball player competes, there is the risk of injury. Minnesota Timberwolves fans know that firsthand from last year when the international competition resulted in a banged-up Rudy Gobert being unable to suit up and train with his new teammates until the very last preseason game.
That was just one player. This year the Timberwolves roster is at risk for up to four players facing injury.
What are the rewards?
Iron sharpens iron. Each of the respective Timberwolves players will face intense and meaningful competition, which will in turn keep each of them at a competitive level. But more than just remaining at alert status, players who compete on the international stage have the opportunity to be exposed to different styles of play, while also a chance to experiment with new shots and defense that could prove to be quite valuable in the upcoming NBA season.
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Is it all worth the risk or not? Will the Timberwolves be a better team this season after four players compete for the coveted 2023 World Cup? Or is this one more wall the Timberwolves roster must climb over to find success this year? Let us know in the comments section on our Facebook page.