FIBA World Cup 2023: Which NBA Stars Are Showing Out?

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With the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup deep into the second round, there have been many big performances by players. A record 55 NBA players are participating in the World Cup this year, with the United States being the only team to have all NBA players. The following five NBA players have shown out during the World Cup, giving their respective teams hope that their performances will carry over to the 2023-24 NBA season.

Luka Doncic- Slovenia

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has balled out in the early rounds of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Averaging 30.0 PPG (leading all FIBA players), 8.0 RPG, and 7.0 APG, Luka has been the key to the Slovenian team’s 6-0 record through the first two rounds. In their most recent game against Cape Verde, Doncic finished with a team-high 19 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. With a triple-double never being recorded in the FIBA World Cup, Luka just barely missed out on making history. If anyone in the World Cup could complete this feat, it would be Doncic. With Slovenia set to play their next two games against NBA-heavy Australian and German teams, Luka and the Slovenian team will have tough challenges as they look to beat both and advance in the World Cup. If Luka can keep up his current play, there is no doubt Luka will be a serious contender for FIBA World Cup MVP while Slovenia contends for a medal.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- Canada

If there is one team that could surprise and not surprise by winning it all, it is Team Canada. Through the first two rounds, Canada has gone unbeaten, and a huge part of that is thanks to Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander. After a great regular season in OKC that saw SGA become a household name for NBA fans, he’s continued to dominate in the FIBA World Cup. Across the first two rounds, SGA has averaged 22.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 5.7 RPG, leading the team in all three categories, as well as player efficiency. In Tuesday’s game against Latvia, SGA led all players with 27 points, in addition to six rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Canada will face their biggest challenge as they face the 2019 FIBA World Cup Champions in Spain. With an NBA-heavy team including players such as RJ Barrett, Lu Dort, and Dillon Brooks, Canada will be one of the scarier teams to play as the World Cup continues.

Nikola Vucevic- Montenegro

After a season that saw the Chicago Bulls big man average a double-double in all 82 games, Nikola Vucevic has continued to show out in the FIBA World Cup. In the second round, Vooch averaged 20.7 PPG and 7.0 RPG while shooting almost 60% from the field. Even though he’s the only current NBA player for Montenegro, the team put up a 2-1 record in the first round. Currently 2-1 in the second round, Montenegro will play the United States on September 1st and Greece on September 3rd as a part of their Group J play. There is no telling me how far Montenegro will go in the FIBA World Cup, but Vucevic’s play will be important for the Chicago Bulls as the 2023-24 season is the last chance for their core.

Lauri Markkanen- Finland

For the second offseason in a row, Lauri Markkanen is showing why he is one of the most underrated players in the NBA right now. Following great performances in the 2022 FIBA Eurobasket and the 2022-23 NBA season, Markkanen has shown out in the FIBA World Cup. In seven games between the first two rounds, Markkanen has averaged 23.0 PPG (third best in the World Cup) and 7.8 RPG. In Thursday’s game against Cape Verde, Markkanen put up a monster 37 points, nine rebounds, one steal, and two blocks. While Finland’s 1-3 record in the second round means it’s likely they will not advance, Markkanen’s FIBA World Cup performances give Utah Jazz fans hope for the upcoming NBA season.

Carlik Jones

One of the more underrated players in the tournament, Carlik Jones has shown why he deserves more time on an NBA court. In South Sudan’s first FIBA World Cup appearance, the Bulls guard and G-League MVP have shown out, averaging 19.0 PPG, 9.3 APG, and 4.3 APG across the team’s performances. The team still has one remaining game on Saturday against Angola, a game that will not only determine their future in the World Cup but for the 2027 World Cup as well. With rumors that that Bulls guard could be waived as they have a heavy guard rotation, Jones’ performances in the World Cup could be a preview for any team interested if he becomes available.