With the 2019 FIBA World Cup just over a month away, USA Basketball has updated its 17-player pool that's expected to participate in training camp from Aug. 5-9.
Following a run of high-profile withdrawals from the team, the latest announcement confirmed six new additions: Boston Celtics guards Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle, Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young, Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee, and Los Angeles Clippers center Montrezl Harrell.
"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 team's managing director, Jerry Colangelo, said in a statement.
"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 (Gregg) Popovich and his staff some remarkable athleticism and versatility."
Popovich and his staff - which includes the Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors, Lloyd Pierce of the Atlanta Hawks, and Villanova's Jay Wright - will select their final 12-man World Cup roster from the following group of players:
POS. | Player | Team |
---|---|---|
G | Kyle Lowry | Raptors |
G | Donovan Mitchell | Jazz |
G | Marcus Smart | Celtics |
G | Kemba Walker | Celtics |
F | Harrison Barnes | Kings |
F | Jaylen Brown | Celtics |
F | Kyle Kuzma | Lakers |
F | Khris Middleton | Bucks |
F | Julius Randle | Knicks |
F | Jayson Tatum | Celtics |
F | P.J. Tucker | Rockets |
F | Thaddeus Young | Bulls |
C | Andre Drummond | Pistons |
C | Montrezl Harrell | Clippers |
C | Brook Lopez | Bucks |
C | Mason Plumlee | Nuggets |
C | Myles Turner | Pacers |
However, it appears the player pool is not finalized, as league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania that Harrell is unlikely to attend training camp due to previous commitments. Additionally, New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard JJ Redick told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that he's been invited to attend the training camp, but has not yet made a decision on participating.
Additionally, USA Basketball announced its 13-player "Select Team" pool, which will be coached by Jeff Van Gundy with Gonzaga's Mark Few serving as an assistant. The developmental squad will work with the main team during the upcoming training camp.
POS. | Player | Team |
---|---|---|
G | Jalen Brunson | Mavericks |
G | Pat Connaughton | Bucks |
G | De'Aaron Fox | Kings |
G | Landry Shamet | Clippers |
G | Derrick White | Spurs |
G | Trae Young | Hawks |
F | Marvin Bagley III | Kings |
F | Mikal Bridges | Suns |
F | John Collins | Hawks |
F | Joe Harris | Nets |
F | Jonathan Isaac | Magic |
C | Jarrett Allen | Nets |
C | Mitchell Robinson | Knicks |
Team USA's World Cup run will begin on Sept. 1 in Shanghai, China, when the two-time reigning champions take on the Czech Republic.