The Team USA roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup has come under fire from former NBA standout Gilbert Arenas. Unlike previous occasions, the selection process did not involve trials, leading to some controversial picks. Expressing his dissatisfaction on Gil’s Arena, Arenas did not hold back in his critique.
Arenas described the roster as a “sorry ass group” and expressed disappointment with the absence of certain star players who were not given a chance to participate. He argued that players who have proven themselves to be superstars in the NBA should have been considered, regardless of concerns about their fit within the team’s style of play.
“Listen, I’m happy for the people who make it. It’s cool,” he said. “It’s cool for some of the guys who got there that I don’t know. Some of them probably don’t even start on their team. I don’t know. I don’t want to look at it. Because it’s embarrassing sometimes where you have star player who are really stars that do want to participate.
“They automatically just say, ‘Yeah, he’s not going to fit our style.’ How the f*ck do you know if he’s gonna fit the style or not? He didn’t get a man a chance,” Arenas exclaimed. “Invite us all and let us show you that we can adapt. We didn’t get to this level because we didn’t adapt. We adapted very well, so don’t judge me based on how I’m playing on my team. Let me show you what I can do around other players. Just give me the shot. But sh*t be so crooked.”
While acknowledging that he is happy for those who made the roster, Arenas believes that the lack of trials denied deserving players the opportunity to showcase their skills and adaptability on an international stage.
Team USA’s FIBA World Cup squad may have some talented players, but Arenas’ bold comments highlight the controversial nature of this year’s selection process. As the tournament approaches, the pressure will be on the chosen players to prove their worth and silence critics like Gilbert Arenas.
