Team USA’s quest for a fifth straight FIBA World Cup gold medal just got hit HARD with the federation announcing A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the tournament due to health concerns. This is a massive blow, raising serious questions for head coach Kara Lawson as she sorts out her starting lineup for the opener against China on Friday in Berlin.
Wilson and Plum’s Absences Rock the Roster
Let’s be real, losing A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum is huge. These two have been absolute stalwarts for the Americans. Wilson, the leading scorer at the 2024 Olympics, 2022 World Cup, and 2020 Olympics, has helped Team USA win gold at every major tournament since the 2018 World Cup. Plum, the second-leading scorer at the 2022 World Cup, was also a part of those 2018 World Cup, 2022 World Cup, and 2024 Olympic teams.
So, why are they out? For Wilson, no specific reason has been stated, but it’s likely related to fatigue, even though she hasn’t missed a WNBA game in weeks. Plum’s situation is clearer: a lower leg injury has been hampering her all summer, and she’s only played once since August 9. The Phoenix Mercury announced she won’t play again this season. Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron are stepping in as replacements, but filling those shoes? That’s going to be a monumental task. The talent is still there for Team USA to win gold in Berlin, but it’s undoubtedly a tougher road now.
These Stars Are Locked In and Ready for the Spotlight
With Wilson and Plum out, the pressure just ratcheted up for the players who are considered “locks” for the starting five. Coach Lawson is going to lean heavily on Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Jackie Young right from the jump.
Breanna Stewart is, hands down, the most decorated American player on this team. She’s been a gold-medal machine since the 2014 World Cup and was the second-leading scorer behind Wilson at the 2024 Olympics. She’s in the middle of another All-WNBA caliber season for the New York Liberty, and you can bet she’s a starter. Period.
Napheesa Collier, after missing two months of the WNBA season for offseason ankle surgery, is fully healthy and picking up right where she left off as last season’s MVP runner-up. She started every game at the 2024 Olympics and was the second-leading rebounder behind Wilson. Her versatility in the frontcourt is going to be absolutely critical now.
Then there’s Jackie Young. While she doesn’t have the same international 5×5 experience as Stewart or Collier, her major tournament debut at the 2024 Olympics saw her inserted into the starting lineup for the knockout rounds. She’s the best wing on the squad, and that’s exactly what Team USA will need.
Team USA still has a loaded roster, but these absences are a real gut punch. With the opener against China just days away in Berlin, all eyes will be on Coach Lawson’s lineup decisions. Can the Americans extend that incredible gold medal streak? It’s going to be one heck of a battle without two of their biggest stars leading the charge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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