USA Basketball may be forced to use D-Leaguers for World Cup qualifier

The historically dominant U.S. men's national basketball team could look rather ordinary when it takes the court later this year.

Since the NBA does not intend to permit its players to play in an international tournament during the season, USA Basketball could be forced to use players from the D-League when qualifying games for the 2019 FIBA World Cup begin this November, ESPN's Marc Stein reports.

Another option would be to recruit American players from international leagues that would consent to releasing their players for the tournament, according to Stein.

NBA players won't be the only ones held out, as newly named USA Basketball head coach Gregg Popovich will resume his responsibilities with the San Antonio Spurs during qualifying play. As a result, the U.S. national basketball team committee will reportedly look into hiring a non-NBA coach for the 12 qualifying games.

Even without their best players, the U.S. team will likely still be considerable favorites to qualify, as seven teams from the Americas region will advance to the 32-team World Cup field.

The Americans will begin play between Nov. 20-28.