Why Jaren Jackson Jr. at center is a problem for Team USA

After Sunday's startling 110-104 loss to 5-0 Lithuania, Team USA needs to take a hard look at themselves. 

The root of the problem is that the American squad is too tiny to compete on a global stage.

In 15 minutes against Lithuania, 6-foot-10, 243-pound Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. proved he is not the solution at center. 

Only Milwaukee Bucks power forward and American, 6'11" Bobby Portis, pulled down more than four boards (five). 

Jackson isn't an important player. On a worldwide scale, he is a forward. 

 Jackson's career-best in the NBA is 6.8 rebounds per game, and he has never averaged more than 7. His lifetime tally is 5.5. 

In the context of global competitiveness, such shortcoming becomes much more evident.

International teams, in contrast to the NBA's preference for "small ball," typically prioritize height and size.

The global stage is often where the action is. Most nations would rather start their tallest and heaviest players if given the opportunity.

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