Jamal Murray withdraws from FIBA, paves way for USA to win World Cup

Fresh off of winning the 2023 NBA championship, Jamal Murray is focusing on giving the Denver Nuggets the best chance at a repeat. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that Murray has withdrawn from Team Canada for the FIBA World Cup.

Murray and his camp believe that "additional recovery" is required following the star's run to the NBA Finals last season. He tore his ACL in 2021 and returned to the court during the 2022-23 season. While he was able to rest a few days during the regular season, the postseason took a toll on his body. Still, Murray had a stellar postseason, averaging 26.1 points and 7.1 assists per game.

Murray's withdrawal from the FIBA World Cup means that he will be in better condition to start the season for the Nuggets, thus improving their chances of defending their title. In terms of the World Cup, it means that Team USA has a much better chance of winning the whole thing.

Team USA does not have any superstars on their roster, but they have a solid collection of All-Star caliber talents such as Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Brandon Ingram. The USA has gone 3-0 in their exhibition games, winning the first two in convincing fashion and the third game by 10 points against the defending champion Spain.

Canada is one of the teams that stands in the way of the United States winning the gold medal. Even without Murray, Canada still has one of their best rosters to date. They will still be a tough matchup for Team USA should the teams face each other in the tournament.

Between the two teams, Canada has the best player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged over 30 points per game in the NBA last season. Canada also has several other NBA players, including RJ Barrett, who scored 31 points in a recent Team Canada win over Germany.

Still, Team USA has the most talented roster out of any team competing in the World Cup. They should win the gold medal, but they will be challenged by many teams along the way. That goal becomes much easier without having to worry about Murray playing for Canada.