Frenemies: NBA teammates go at it early in the World Cup

OKINAWA (Japan) - At the FIBA Basketball World Cup where the best of the best come to play for their national teams, it's only natural that some are coming in as teammates with their professional clubs - whether in the past, present, or in the near future.

There are a handful of such teammates from the NBA that will be going up against each other and while we can't wait for the star-studded "friendly" clashes that will happen in the business end of the competition,  we'll already be getting a handful as early as the First Round of the Group Phase.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker versus Rudy Gobert

Canada vs France

August 25, 2023

Both Rudy Gobert and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were new additions to the Minnesota Timberwolves squad in the previous season, but they already seem to have built a friendly bond after being a part of the team's second consecutive Play-Off run. The two will step on the hardwood together once again, albeit as opponents this time as France take on Canada on opening night at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta.

The Stiffle Tower expressed excitement in seeing the 24-year-old guard perform in his first-ever World Cup.

"It's gonna be fun. Nickeil is someone that I have a lot of respect for. He's grown a lot over the last few years in his mindset and his work ethic and everything that he does," said Gobert ahead of their matchup, while also hoping his NBA teammate doesn't play too well in a specific game.

"I'm excited to watch him perform - not against us, obviously, but in this competition."

Evan Fournier versus RJ Barrett

Canada vs France

August 25, 2023

In that same game, we'll get to see another pair of players from the same team from the previous season go up against each other in Evan Fournier and RJ Barrett.

It was a season to forget to Fournier and he wants to put that behind him. Barrett had a strong season of 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, but there's a feeling that he can still do more especially after the Knicks fell short in the Second Round of the Play-Offs.

Both of them are probably looking to use this World Cup as a launchpad for a successful season ahead - at least, Fournier is certainly looking to do so - and they will play their first game against each other.

Joe Ingles versus Franz and Moe Wagner

Australia vs Germany

August 27, 2023

Joe Ingles only signed with Orlando - a two-year deal - this offseason, but the veteran forward would get to familiarize himself with soon-to-be teammates in Franz and Moritz Wagner.

Joe Ingles is known around the basketball circles as one of the best teammates you can have. Orlando Magic youngsters Franz and Moritz will get to soak in that aura soon since Ingles recently signed to play for their team in this upcoming season.

But before that, they'll have to go up against the 35-year-old Boomer in the opening game between Australia and Germany in Okinawa Arena. Both teams are considered tournament favorites, but will it be the Magic's veteran or youngsters that prevail for their national teams?

Thanasis Antetokounmpo versus Bobby Portis

Greece vs USA

August 28, 2023

The Milwaukee Bucks have been as strong as they have been over the recent years because of their bench. More specifically, a big part of their success is the energy that they can bring off of that bench - energy that oozes from the likes of Bobby Portis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

For a change, their positive charges will collide against one another as USA and Greece lock horns (pun intended) on August 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Antetokounmpo and Portis had already faced off during the recent International Basketball Week in Abu Dhabi. but nothing compares to the real deal where both players try to help their respective countries bid on bagging home basketball's biggest prize: the Naismith Trophy.

"We had a friendly game against them last weekend in Abu Dhabi. It was fun but it was a friendly [game], so coming up on Monday it’s going to be a little bit different," Portis said. "With the stakes a lot higher, it’s going to be fun. It’s always fun to go against guys that you know." 

Davis Bertans versus Dwight Powell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Lu Dort

Latvia vs Canada

August 29, 2023

The first game for Davis Bertans in his first-ever World Cup appearance will be quite a fun one. As he goes up against Canada, he'll be facing a former teammate with the Dallas Mavericks in Dwight Powell while also going up against players whom he will soon be teammates with in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Aside from his soon-to-be Oklahoma City teammates, Bertans will also find himself squaring off against a teammate - and a good pal - of his with the Mavericks for over one season: Dwight Powell.

Bertans was traded to Dallas back in 2022 and was recently traded to the Thunder this summer.

"Canada has two new teammates of mine from Oklahoma. I haven't yet spent any time with them. Then there's Dwight Powell, with whom I played in Dallas. Him I will be the happiest to see," he told Latvian Television. "He's someone I have had the most closest relationship with from all the opponents."

More fun Bertans World Cup facts: The Latvian Laser most long-tenured teammate in the NBA is Australia's Patty Mills (241 games). He's also played with China's Li Kaier-Kyle Anderson in 147 games. He's also played with one of the World Cup Global Ambassadors Pau Gasol for 166 games as well, so Bertans will be quite familiar even in his debut.

Jordan Clarkson versus Simone Fontecchio

Philippines vs Italy

August 29, 2023

The Utah Jazz are well represented at this World Cup and they'll have an early clash in the First Round on August 29 at Mall of Asia Arena.

Both players are excited to meet on the hardwood while representing their own nations, so they've looking to make things interesting by upping the stakes and putting a little bit on the line.

"I haven’t had an opportunity to play against any of my teammates in any FIBA games. It’s gonna be fun. I can’t wait," said the 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. "We’ll probably put a little bet - about a bottle of wine or dinner on it, especially going into the season soon. So, we definitely gotta get that win."

Fontecchio can't wait to play versus his popular teammate as well.

"I know he’s like a rock star legend out here. I can’t wait to see him on the court," beamed the 27-year-old shooter. "It’s going to be fun to play against him."

Patty Mills versus Yuta Watanabe

Australia vs Japan

August 29, 2023

 

It's hard to not love such loveable guys like Yuta Watanabe and Patty Mills. And the two seem to have much love for each other after being on the same team with the Brooklyn Nets. They even worked out with each other in Hawaii a few months ago.

Now they have to shift modes to being opponents. The love and respect between the two will always be there, but it won't be enough to douse that competition fire the two will have as Australia go up against Japan on August 29.

FIBA