MANILA, Philippines -- Depending on how you want to assume bonuses and incentives, the Team USA roster is celebrating more than $700 million in new contracts with NBA teams this summer.
In all, more than $1 billion combined in deals for the 12-man team. Everyone here is assured the pro basketball dream of generational wealth short of Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who just finished their first seasons. And for them, both promising young players, their day is coming.
While the discussion of money may go against the spirit of the FIBA World Cup, which is played and coached largely for free and designed to celebrate and grow the sport globally, it's unrealistic to ignore it.