3 NBA Players to Watch in the 2019 FIBA World Cup - Odds and Predictions

2019 will be the eighteenth installment of the men’s FIBA Basketball World Cup. The team pool was expanded from twenty-four to thirty-two teams this year. The competition will last from 31 August 2019 to 15 September 2019.

The results of this tournament will also aid in qualification for the 2020 Summer Olympics – which takes the top two teams from the Americas and Europe, and the top sides in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Top international sides the USA, Spain, and Australia continue to vie for dominance in the basketball world. Meanwhile up and coming teams like Greece, Canada, and Serbia look to at their names to the history books.

Players to Watch in the FIBA 2019 World Cup

The 2019 FIBA World Cup has had many players drop out of the competition. Whether it be for injury, recovery, or pure lack of interest, this year’s competition may be missing some of the biggest names.

Despite many being missing, there are still a number of players that you should keep an eye on. Rising stars and players looking to make their mark are always at the top of their game during this time. But don’t expect the wily veterans to make it easy for them.

1. G-F Jayson Tatum – United States of America

Guard-Forward | 6-8, 208lb (203cm, 94kg) | Duke | Exp. 2 Years

15.7 PPG | 2.1 APG | 6.0 RPG | 1.1 SPG | 0.7 BPG | 1.5 TOV | .450 FG% | .373 3P%

Jayson Tatum’s poster dunk on LeBron James came in 3rd place on the NBA’s Top 100 dunks of the year. pic.twitter.com/AmhfjKApZG

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 27, 2018

When you look at Team USA’s roster, you’ll be left searching if you wanted to find names like LeBron James or Stephen Curry. Even lower-tier stars like Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard have chosen to abstain from the competition.

Such exclusions mean that opportunity knocks for the next big wave of American stars. No star will look to shine more brightly than Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. The second-year guard will make his first appearance for the USA on the senior international level.

His size and offensive ability will be on full display. He is the most versatile offensive option for the USA and will surely have an offense catered to his success. There are concerns about his youth and inexperience, but a successful World Cup campaign will only help to solidify his status as the Celtic’s new leader.

If you are in New Jersey, you can bet on the 2019 FIBA World Cup by visiting 888Sport. Good luck!

2019 FIBA World Cup – Odds for USA

* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER

2. C Nikola Jokic – Serbia

Center | 7-0, 250lb (213cm, 113kg) | Serbia | Exp. 4 Years

20.1 PPG | 7.3 APG | 10.8 RPG | 0.89 SPG | 0.42 BPG | 3.2 TOV | .454 FG% | .308 3P%

Nikola Jokic vid thread: Joker is my 2019-20 MVP pick. The playoffs put him on the map & hes about to make another leap. His MVP odds are +1700 right now btw…Who says that post play is dead? Watch how Jokic manipulates the D in the post & hits his shooters for easy open 3s pic.twitter.com/XddXC7Vl0S

— Hardwood Herald ? (@hardwoodherald) August 5, 2019

Jokic has truly come a long way as a player. After being a draft-and-stash player from the 2014 NBA Draft, Jokic joined the Denver Nuggets and made an immediate impact. After leading the Nuggets to one of their best seasons, Jokic looks to lead Serbia to World Cup greatness.

Next to the United States, Serbia looks to be one of the most capable offensive outfits in the tournament. Jokic is at the center of their offensive gameplan.

Jokic is capable on all points of the floor on the offensive end. He’s a skilled shooter and low-post threat, however, his passing is what sets him apart. His passing is Sabonis-esque, leading to fantastic opportunities for his teammates. As Jokic goes, so will his team.

2019 FIBA World Cup – Odds for Serbia

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3. G Cory Joseph – Canada

Guard | 6-3, 193lb (190cm, 87kg) | Texas | Exp. 8 Years

6.5 PPG | 3.9 APG | 3.4 RPG | 1.1 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 1.0 TOV | .412 FG% | .322 3P%

“Everybody’s a grown man, they gotta make their own decisions”

Cory Joseph speaks on players dropping out of the Team Canada roster ahead of FIBA World Cup pic.twitter.com/cizY8dO4OE

— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) August 5, 2019

While they entered the tournament as an underdog favorite, recent events have forced Canada‘s hand and they’ve lost many of their players to injury. Most recently, star Jamal Murray withdrew from the competition due to an ankle injury.

All the lights are now on veteran Canadian player Cory Joseph. With Canada’s recent late withdrawals, he will be the one to lead the red and white in their pursuit of gold and Olympic qualification.

Joseph will be one of the steadiest and defensively adept guards in the tournament. What he lacks in scoring, he makes up for in playmaking and defensive awareness. More will be asked of him in this tournament, but getting his teammates going will be key going forward.

2019 FIBA World Cup – Odds for Canada

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