Done with It! Edwards Refuses to Play, the Next Team USA Will Be Without Him

Anthony Edwards, one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, has made headlines following his impressive performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. After helping Team USA secure the gold medal, the 23-year-old guard sat down for an interview where he expressed his willingness to compete in the next Olympics, set to take place in Los Angeles in 2028. However, when asked about participating in the FIBA World Cup again, Edwards’ response was a firm “Hell nah.” His emphatic rejection of the idea has sparked discussions about his future with Team USA and the potential impact on the squad's upcoming campaigns.

Despite being the youngest player on Team USA’s roster during the Paris Olympics, Edwards proved that age is just a number. Throughout the pre-Olympic exhibition games, Edwards showcased his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, averaging 13.0 points per game, second only to LeBron James, who averaged 14.6 points. During the Olympics, Edwards continued to impress, posting averages of 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while playing just 16.3 minutes per contest. He shot an impressive 58% from the field and 48% from three-point range.

One of Edwards’ standout performances came in the group stage against Puerto Rico. In just 17 minutes of action, he torched the defense with 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while adding 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. In the quarterfinals against Brazil, Edwards continued his hot streak, contributing 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals on 6-of-10 shooting and 3-of-7 from deep.

It’s worth noting that when Team USA was first assembled, Edwards jokingly referred to himself as the “main guy” on the team. While many took this comment lightly, Edwards’ play throughout the warm-up games and the early stages of the Olympics suggested he might not have been kidding. Edwards was the only player on the roster to score in double figures in every game leading up to the semifinals, earning a higher RAPM (Real Adjusted Plus-Minus) rating than even superstars like James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.

However, Edwards' performance dipped in the final two games. In the semifinals against Serbia, he struggled, scoring just 2 points and grabbing 2 rebounds in 13 minutes while committing 2 turnovers and 2 fouls, finishing with a plus-minus of -14. In the gold medal game against France, Edwards managed 8 points in 10 minutes but had a plus-minus of -5. These subpar performances highlighted the need for veteran superstars like LeBron, KD, and Steph to step up in crunch time, which they did to secure the gold.

Despite these hiccups, Edwards’ potential as a future cornerstone for Team USA remains evident. His explosive scoring, defensive tenacity, and fearless attitude on the court make him a player to watch. By the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics roll around, Edwards could very well be the face of the team, leading the charge for a second consecutive gold medal.

Edwards' decision not to participate in future World Cups, however, is not without precedent. Team USA has historically placed more emphasis on the Olympics, often using the World Cup as a developmental stage for younger or less established players. Stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant have all opted out of World Cup play after securing Olympic gold medals. In Edwards’ case, having already participated in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, his reluctance to return is understandable, especially given the disappointing fourth-place finish.

Edwards' journey in the 2023 World Cup was a testament to his rapid rise within the basketball world. Initially not even a starter, Edwards quickly proved his worth, earning a spot in the starting lineup and eventually emerging as Team USA’s leading scorer. His breakout performance, coupled with his impressive showing in the NBA, has solidified his status as one of the most promising young talents in the league.

As much as Edwards is seen as the future of Team USA, his refusal to play in the 2027 World Cup in Qatar could pose a significant challenge for the team. The gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world in basketball has been narrowing, as evidenced by the recent tournaments. In Paris, Team USA had the luxury of calling upon seasoned veterans like LeBron, KD, and Steph to save the day, but with the 2028 Olympics still four years away, there are questions about who will step up next.

Edwards’ decision highlights a broader issue for USA Basketball: the challenge of fielding a competitive team for the World Cup without its biggest stars. The U.S. last won the World Cup in 2014, and since then, they have struggled, finishing seventh in 2019—their worst finish ever—and fourth in 2023. Without a player of Edwards’ caliber, or the involvement of other big names, the U.S. could find itself in a tough spot once again in 2027.

The last time Team USA struggled in a World Cup, in 2019, it led to the formation of a "Redeem Team" for the 2021 Olympics, echoing the famous 2008 squad. Given Edwards’ current stance, and with the likelihood of other top players skipping the 2027 World Cup, we could be in for a similar scenario leading up to the 2028 Olympics. The need for redemption could once again drive the U.S. to assemble a star-studded roster in Los Angeles.

But for now, the focus remains on Edwards and his future. At just 23 years old, he has already accomplished so much, and his best years are still ahead of him. His decision to focus on the Olympics rather than the World Cup is a reflection of his priorities and the legacy he wants to build. While some may criticize his choice, it's clear that Edwards is thinking long-term, both for his career and for Team USA’s success.

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the basketball world will be watching to see how Edwards continues to develop and whether he can truly become the leader of Team USA. His potential is undeniable, but the road ahead will be challenging. For now, one thing is certain: the next chapter of Anthony Edwards’ career will be one to watch closely, as he continues to make his mark on the global stage.