Potential International lineup for Team USA vs World future All-Star Game format
By Ben Handler
Starting Forward: Victor Wembanyama, France
In overall talent, Wemby may not deserve a spot in the starting lineup just yet, but his fit makes more sense. Playing two pure centers together would be a little bit clunky, but with Wemby you get the best of both worlds.
He can space the floor and legitimately shoot and playmake on the perimeter, while also obviously creating ridiculous mismatches inside. On defense, he can anchor the starting unit, as he won’t have to cover true centers and he’ll be able to excel as a roaming rim protector.
He won’t have great options to defend, as Team USA is pretty small and a matchup with someone like Durant or Tatum could pose some problems, but Wemby has shown the skills to stay with almost anyone.
It’s worth having him in the lineup for the versatility he offers on both ends. He’s been overtasked on offense with the Spurs, but he should thrive with lower usage and surrounded by others who can make plays and set him up for success.
Defensively, Wemby has already proven to be one of the best in the league and would be surrounded by length and ability in a way he’s never known.