Headlines have been appearing regularly about players declining to participate in international competition this summer so they can focus on the upcoming NBA season. Seeing so many players turn down the opportunity to play for their countries makes it seem like it’s not regarded as a special opportunity, but a tweet from Marcus Smart reminds us that’s not the case.
Smart was added to USA Basketball’s training camp roster ahead of the FIBA World Cup in August. He tweeted what an honor it is to represent the country and be considered worthy of competing for the team.
I love playin don’t matter where. But playing for @usabasketball is somethin I’ve been a part of for a while. I take it serious & am to even be thought of. is everything to me. But to wear ???????? means the world to me. To do it w my teammates @KembaWalker & @jaytatum0 is
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 23, 2019
Not only will Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum join Smart at USA Basketball training camp, but Jaylen Brown is also being considered for a spot, which would make it four Boston Celtics players.
Here is the list of players who are in for now.
Still in for the World Cup:
GUARDS
Damian Lillard
Kemba Walker
Kyle Lowry
Donovan Mitchell
Jayson TatumFORWARDS
Khris Middleton
Kevin Love
Paul Millsap
Harrison Barnes
Kyle Kuzma
PJ TuckerCENTERS
Andre Drummond
Myles Turner
Brook LopezThoughts? https://t.co/n5CMMfCyFN
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) July 22, 2019
While that list may not include the best Americans in the NBA, that still is a good enough collection of players where they should probably have plenty of success.
