Gregg Popovich To Announce USA Men’s Basketball Team Initial Roster

The United States men’s basketball team is slowly constructing for the upcoming World Cup in China. Coach Gregg Popovich has a vision on how his unit should look, and the leader of the San Antonio Spurs will announce next week the names of the players who will be attending the preparations for the WC.

The mini camp in Las Vegas is scheduled from 5th to 8th of August, some two weeks before the start of the tournament. From 18 players called up, six will have to stay at home. And the competition for the final roster is going to be very fierce because some big-time names are in Popovich’s notebook.

What is the most significant news is that Zion Williamson received an invitation to be a part of this training camp. If he chooses to participate, Zion will have a chance to become the first college player who entered the USA basketball team after Anthony Davis. The Eyebrow did that in 2012, winning the gold medal in the Olympics.

Regarding Zion Williamson, @USABasketball chairman Jerry Colangelo notes that Anthony Davis went from the Select roster to the Olympic roster in 2012 before ever playing an NBA game and said USAB wants to give Zion "the platform to see how he can compete with the vets"

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 5, 2019

He would also have an opportunity to play alongside AD, who is still Pelicans’ player. It would be very interesting to see how these two guys work together. Based on that, the franchise from New Orleans could plan their future and might decide better whether to trade Davis or leave him in Louisiana.

Another super-exciting name on the list is James Harden, NBA’s top scorer this season with 36.1 points. After a disappointing campaign with the Rockets, Harden would like to improve his season, which is probably the reason why he wants to play in the World Cup. The Beard will have his teammates, Eric Gordon, and PJ Tucker beside him during the camp, because they too are invited.

Portland’s dynamic duo, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are also a part of the team. These two guys lost in the Western Conference finals, and were swept by the Warriors once again.

Two young players will be on the list. Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. These two are the future of the NBA and Popovich wants them onboard, because they fit in his philosophy of play. Other players who are summoned are Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, Kevin Love from Cleveland Cavaliers, Kemba Walker from Charlotte Hornets, the duo from Milwaukee, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma, Pistons’ Andre Drummond, as well as Denver’s Paul Millsap, whose participation is not yet confirmed.

The full 18-man roster for Team USA camp in Las Vegas will be announced next week. As @NYTSports reported Saturday: Anthony Davis, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Kemba Walker are confirmed participants.

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 5, 2019

The World Cup starts on August 21st and lasts until the 15th of September. It should be one of the most exciting competitions in the last decade.

Many of the countries are coming with high ambitions, and a desire to dethrone the USA. The American team is the current champion, after defeating Serbia in the finals five years ago.

Australia is stronger than ever and is led by 76ers’ Ben Simmons who recently declared him eligible for the international duties. The Aussies also have Aaron Baynes from the Celtics, Joe Ingles from the Jazzers and Matthew Delavedova from the Cavs.

Canada is also very powerful. It appears that Nick Nurse will be their coach, and when looking at the names at his disposal, the Canadians could be a real threat. Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins, Cory Joseph, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tristan Thompson and Duke’s college star RJ Barrett are all in the combination. It is yet to be seen which ones are willing to wear the national jersey.

Serbia is strong as always. They are coming to China with Nikola Jokic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Nemanja Bjelica. Plus they have several players who are playing pivotal roles in top European clubs.

All in all, it seems that the upcoming WC is going to be very challenging for the USA national team.