Episode 8 of the Sports Betting Tips podcast, hosted by veteran NBA journalist Chris Sheridan and SiriusXM host Noah Coslov, is now available on podcast platforms. This episode features talk of the World Cup of Basketball, Team USA’s minicamp in Las Vegas, and whether the NBA will eventually add a team in Las Vegas.
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The podcast commences with discussion of the 2019 World Cup of Basketball, as Chris recently spoke with Jeff Van Gundy, head coach of the USA qualifying team. The team, which has competed in Argentina and Mexico City among other worldwide destinations, is seeking to earn a spot in the World Cup with a roster of G-League players.
The conversation shifts to Team USA’s minicamp in Las Vegas last week, for which Chris was present. Gregg Popovich, who will be the team’s head coach in China in 2019, was there, as were many of the game’s biggest stars. The main attraction for USA Basketball, of course, is the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Noah asks Chris whether USA Basketball will give “preferential treatment” to athletes who make themselves available for the 2019 World Cup in China.
Chris’ answer? Probably. The organization values players who “build equity,” he says.
Detroit Pistons big man Andre Drummond is one example of such a player.
“I think if Drummond wants to go to Tokyo, he’s got to be available for China,” Chris says.
The mood in Las Vegas for the minicamp was “real loose,” Chris adds.
Vegas Hoops Future
Our two hosts then discuss the possibility of the NBA adding a team in Las Vegas. Noah doesn’t like the idea, as opportunities for trouble abound in Sin City.
“Why stand that close to the fire?” he says. “You already have a presence there…there are more ways and easier ways to get in trouble there than anywhere else.”
But Chris pushes back, saying trouble can happen anywhere. He tells Noah he is “on an island” for opposing the idea because “there is a lot of money to be made” and “the NBA is going to expand.”
When it does expand, Chris sees Seattle and Las Vegas as the two areas most likely to receive a team.
Listen to the full episode by hitting play above, and be sure to subscribe on your podcast platform of choice.
