This is a rough time of the year if you’re an NBA fan. Gone are the days of debating who the real MVP is, or who will win the NBA title, or even discussing where the top free agents will go – or the second tier free agents for that matter. Writers and podcasters alike are searching for inspiration and fans are eager for fresh material which is why the lack of hype surrounding the World Cup of Basketball does not make sense. The return of a former MVP, the debut of an intruguing young rookie, and the probable ascension of a star to a superstar are reasons alone why fans should be talking about this tournament more than it is being talked about and here is why:

1. It is the first chance to see NBA caliber talent compete since the NBA season ended.

74 days have gone by since an NBA game has been played and fans are in full withdrawal. The FIBA World Cup gives fans a chance to see dozens of NBA and former NBA players including a former MVP who hasn’t played in almost a year. There is also a 21 year-old freak of nature that is on the verge of ascending into the NBA’s super elite. Four years ago there was another 21 year-old freak of nature that made his mark in the FIBA tournament who now happens to be the reigning MVP of the league. The return of Derrick Rose, the projected ascension of Anthony Davis into the NBA elite, and the inevitable showdown between Team USA and the Gasol brothers are reasons alone to care about this tournament.

2. The tournament provides viewers the opportunity to watch international stars.

The idea of Basketball having become an international game has been beaten to death like a horse since the Americans got schooled by Argentina on their way to bronze in 2004. There are many exciting players who play in other leagues around the world that rarely get spoken about anymore. Remember Rudy Fernandez? Or Carlos Arroyo? Or Juan Carlos Navarro? Each of these individuals produced in the NBA at one point in time however they have since left the NBA and fallen off the radar of many North American fans. This will also be an opportunity to get a look at young players such as Dante Exum who was drafted this summer but has yet to play in his first NBA game. Tournaments like the FIBA World Cup allow these viewers the opportunity to see truly best basketball players who play and live all over the world.

3. The international game is a different game than the NBA.

NBA basketball in the early 00’s was heavily focused on individuals and their own abilities. Just take a look at the popular stars: Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Kobe Bryant – spectacular individual talents who lacked teamwork in that stage of their career. The NBA was a lot different; there was more focus on generating advantages on the court by using exceptional one-on-one play. The game has evolved since then with the failures of Team USA in 2004 and 2006 likely being the main motivators. Look no further than the San Antonio Spurs to find an example of how the game has changed since the turn of the century. The value of the 3 point shot, moving the ball via passing instead of dribbling all over the place, and the importance of making good cuts – these are all values that the San Antonio Spurs value dearly and they are also values that are intrinsic to international basketball. It would be a stretch to state that every FIBA game is going to be like watching the Spurs play however one thing is for sure: the brand of basketball is different and it has the potential to influence the NBA game in the future.

While it is disappointing that fans will not see stars like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Paul George compete in the FIBA World Cup however there will be plenty of exciting basketball to be played beginning for two weeks beginning this Saturday. There is still plenty of star power (Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, The Gasols, Serge Ibaka and many more), some old familiar faces (I’m looking at you Rudy), and a different brand of basketball that we can learn from. These elements make this tournament the oasis thirsty basketball fans need.

About the Author

Colin Garraway

Colin is a former high school and college basketball player who still actively participates in the Toronto basketball scene. He enjoys discussing anything related to hoops and kicks, particularly sneaker aesthetics and his beloved Los Angeles Lakers.