Let’s not bother with aggressive probing next week when the United States Men’s National Basketball Team, No. 1 in the world, returns with its worst-ever finish in major international competition. There is no mystery beyond two reasons that don’t require investigation.
First, this group, despite having the best talent, was not the best team in this FIBA World Cup. After being bounced from the medal round by France on Wednesday, Team USA's response was a loss to Serbia on Thursday, ensuring no better than a seventh-place finish.
This roster of Americans, coached by Gregg Popovich, with Steve Kerr as his top assistant, entered as a gold-medal favorite largely out of respect and tradition.