Massive changes going on in Team USA for the FIBA world cup, after 9 players withdrew their name out of the roster of the team –
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
James Harden (Houston Rockets)
Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)
CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)
Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers)
Paul Millsap (Denver Nuggets)
Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets)
Most of the players prefer to take the time off and prepare for next season, get some rest, spend time with their families, etc.
Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Men’s National Team Managing Director announced that 6 more players will join the training camps in August –
Montrezl Harrell (Los Angeles Clippers)
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics),
Julius Randle (New York Knicks)
Mason Plumlee (Denver Nuggets)
Thaddeus Young (Chicago Bulls)
Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)
In the USA roster we can find –
Kemba Walker (Boston Celtics)
Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)
Kyle Kuzma (Los Angeles Lakers)
Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)
Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)
Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks)
Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings)
P.J. Tucker (Houston Rockets)
The coaching staff features–
Gregg Popovich – Head coach for the San Antonio Spurs
Steve Kerr – Head coach for the Golden State Warriors
Lloyd Pierce – Head coach for the Atlanta Hawks
Jay Wright – Head coach for Villanova University
Jerry Colangelo said –
“Since USA Basketball started the men’s national team program in 2006, we have understood the necessity of fluidity within the program and the importance of having a deep national team roster that features both young and veteran standout NBA players. The six players we added today are all outstanding players in their own right, and along with the other players who will attend the World Cup Team training camp, will offer Coach Popovich and his staff some remarkable athleticism and versatility. USA Basketball is looking to select the best team possible for the FIBA World Cup as we attempt to win a third straight gold medal. We have a deep roster of men who have played for USA Basketball and who have experienced playing in FIBA events, so they understand the competitiveness of FIBA basketball and have respect for the other national teams. We’re looking forward to exposing the selected players to FIBA World Cup competition and the incredible experience of representing their country in one of the world’s premier basketball’s competitions.”
