Brandon Ingram would like a bigger role with Team USA than the one he's had so far this summer. But Ingram isn't going to let that get in the way of the team's success, even if it's not what he envisioned.

“This is totally different than what I am used to,” Ingram told The Athletic Sunday. “The team is winning right now, so I can’t be selfish thinking about myself. But it’s a little frustrating right now for me, and I’m just trying to figure out ways I can be effective.”

Ingram has the ball a lot less with Team USA than in his role as the New Orleans Pelicans primary playmaker. That's been an adjustment, but it's one Ingram said he think can pay off in the NBA, as well.

“I know who I am,” Ingram said. “In ways, I can get stuck and think my way is the best way. This is a learning experience. … I get to see everybody work, get to see everybody’s strengths and everybody’s weaknesses, so I can take it back to my team, be smart about it.”

Steve Kerr had initially planned for Anthony Edwards to come off the bench for the United States in a role similar to Dwyane Wade played when Kobe Bryant started at shooting guard. 

Edwards didn't agree with Kerr and has since emerged as one of their best players and a definitive starter. 

“I mean, of course I wasn’t cool with it,” Edwards said. “If that’s what it takes, I mean, I am willing to do it, but nah, I’m never cool with that. … He said Dwyane Wade came off the bench when Kobe played. I was like, all right, we don’t have a Kobe, but all right. But it was cool.”

Edwards enters the World Cup averaging 19.2 points in their exhibition games.

The United States looks ready for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. On Sunday, Team USA defeated Germany to cap a 5-0 run in the lead-up up the World Cup.

The United States also defeated Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain and Greece in the past two weeks. The victories over Spain and Germany saw Team USA come from behind to win each game.

Anthony Edwards scored 34 points to lead the Americans over the Germans. Edwards was Team USA's leading scoring during the five-game exhibition slate at 19.2 points per game on 51% shooting from the field.

Group C play opens on Saturday, August 26 with the United States taking on New Zealand. Team USA will also play Greece and Jordan in group play. The Americans are heavy favorites to advance at the top of the group, especially after Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece announced he would miss the tournament.

Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. appear to be locks to start for the United States in the World Cup with Anthony Edwards emerging as the favorite for the fifth spot.

Brunson has received raves from Steve Kerr for his leadership and he also has the kind of physical nature to his game at point guard that works well in FIBA.

Kerr was quick to say this "might not" be the group he sticks with ultimately following Monday's win over Puerto Rico.