Team USA Replaces 2 Stars for FIBA World Cup as Wilson, Plum Health Issues Reshape Lineup
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 31
Team USA Replaces 2 Stars for FIBA World Cup as Wilson, Plum Health Issues Reshape Lineup
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 31
Summary
Team USA swapped in Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron on Monday after A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were ruled out of the FIBA World Cup over health concerns ahead of Friday's opener against China in Berlin.
Wilson's absence came without a specific diagnosis after weeks without missing a WNBA game, while Plum has played only once since Aug. 9 because of a lower-leg injury and will not return this season for Phoenix.
The losses strip the Americans of two recent pillars: Wilson led Team USA in scoring at the 2024 Olympics and 2022 World Cup, and Plum was the second-leading scorer at the 2022 World Cup.
Kara Lawson still has a deep roster, but the late changes complicate her starting five, especially at point guard and in the frontcourt without Wilson's interior presence.
A projected lineup for China now centers on Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Aliyah Boston as the U.S. chases a 5th straight World Cup gold.