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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Bryan Kalbrosky

Here are the expected participants in World Cup training camp for Team USA

Gathering all of the reporting from today, we now have a more clear list of who’ll participate in the World Cup training camp for Team USA.

While the finalized roster is only 12 players, the following are the men who have reportedly received invitations for the events. More likely than not, this list will change because not everyone is going to accept. As such, expect other names to emerge as we inch closer to training camp from August 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Below are blurbs for each player, arranged mostly based on the positions they play.

Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz (Guard)

Utah guard Donovan Mitchell is expected to receive an invite to Team USA training camp in preparation for the World Cup, league sources tell The Athletic. @TheSteinLine reported his name as a roster possibility this weekend

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 3, 2019

Previous Experience: N/A

Credentials: NBA All-Rookie First-Team (2018), Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2018), All-ACC First-Team (2017)

If he joined Team USA, he would potentially face Utah teammates Joe Ingles (Australia) and Rudy Gobert (France) in competition. Mitchell, though he has no previous experience with the National Team, would help provide scoring relief for the squad considering his ability to create his own shot and provide volume buckets. But he should be considered a fringe fit for Team USA.

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets (Guard)

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Previous Experience: U18 Americas Championship (2008), USA Select Team (2010), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: Three-time NBA All-Star (2017-19), All-NBA 3rd Team (2019), NCAA Champion (2011)

Walker has made a name for himself as one of the top point guards in the NBA. As the elder statesmen who have previously run the offenses for Team USA are aging out of the position, the 29-year-old guard could be an early favorite to fight for the starting point spot depending on who else stands out during the training camps. While it would be a huge honor to represent his country, he has a big summer this offseason as he prepares for his own free agency and negotiations for a potential supermax contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets.

James Harden, Houston Rockets (Guard)

USA Basketball chasing James Harden to be on roster for World Cup https://t.co/eryEqvJPGF

— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) June 2, 2019

Previous Experience: Team USA Exhibitions (2012), Olympic Games (2012), Team USA Exhibitions (2014), FIBA World Cup (2014), USA Training Camp (2014), USA Training Camp (2015), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: NBA MVP (2018), seven-time NBA All-Star (2013-19), two-time NBA scoring champion (2018-19)

Arguably no one comes in with the same pedigree as Harden, who reportedly has not yet accepted an invitation to the training camp. He is considered the “top name” coveted to represent his country after coming off his second year in a row leading the NBA in scoring. He is a two-time gold medalist, taking home the honors with both the 2012 Olympic Team and the 2016 World Cup team. This time, however, he would likely be the main fiddle as the primary focal point on offense.

Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers (Guard)

Previous Experience: Team USA Exhibitions (2014), USA Training Camp (2014), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: Four-time NBA All-Star (2014-15, 2018-19), NBA Rookie of the Year (2013), two-time Big Sky Player of the Year (2010, 2012)

Lillard has been slighted by USA Basketball in the past but this time around, especially if Harden decides not to participate, the Portland guard may make a name for himself as the top backcourt option for his country. It would be a tough decision for him after looking fatigued during the postseason. But he’s shown time and time again that he is capable of rising to the biggest moment and shining on the most impressive stages. If he participates, he would likely be considered a lock for the starting lineup.

CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers (Guard)

ESPN Sources: Among additional players expected to join USA Basketball’s training camp in August on way to a roster spot in September’s FIBA World Cup in China: Bradley Beal, Eric Gordon, Kyle Kuzma, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Kevin Love, CJ McCollum and Jayson Tatum.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: World University Games Training Camp (2010), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: NBA Most Improved Player (2016), Two-time All-American honorable mention (2010, 2012), Three-time All-Patriot League (2010-12)

Much like Lillard, Portland guard McCollum may also hold a grudge against Team USA after not making the World University Games in 2011. The star was one of the best players on the roster who decided to withdraw from the Team USA Select Team in 2016. McCollum helped lead the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals and against all the odds, held his team to be very competitive even without Jusuf Nurkic. He would immediately become a valuable addition in any role offered to him.

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards (Guard)

Previous Experience: U16 Americas Championship (2009), U17 World Cup (2010), USA Training Camp (2014), USA Training Camp (2015), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: Two-time NBA All-Star (2018-19), NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (2013), Gatorade Player of the Year (2011)

As one of the players with the most Team USA experience, Washington’s Bradley Beal likely would not mind the distraction of competitive basketball while his name is often brought up in trade rumors. Beal could thrive as one of the top shooters on the roster, immediately becoming the most dangerous threat on the perimeter against any country he would face. Among all of the candidates, he is perhaps the most likely to get an offer and accept it.

Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets (Guard)

Previous Experience: FIBA World Cup (2010), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2017), 1st Team All-Big Ten (2008), Indiana Mr. Basketball (2007)

Any team needs a proven veteran and Gordon would be exactly that for Team USA. He is a glue-guy who can play tough on both sides of the ball as one of the league’s more underrated defenders. The guard could provide a spark off of the bench and is capable of playing multiple positions on offense. He is far from a lock to make the roster but if he does, his leadership would be a handy tool to have around the team.

Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks (Forward)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has accepted an invitation to the 18-man Team USA training camp in August, league source tells ESPN. Team USA is fielding a roster to bring to the FIBA World Cup in China in September.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: World University Training Camp (2011), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: NBA All-Star (2019), Second-team All-Big 12 (2011)

His invitation to the training camp is one of the most exciting considering his meteoric recent rise in success. Middleton, who has recovered from a brutal injury in his past, has shown he is a very talented offensive player. He is a very good second option on the court when he is playing alongside Giannis Antetekounmpo, which is important for the chemistry on offense. When the team rolls out so many stars, they need people capable of playing off the ball and Middleton can do exactly that.

Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers (Forward)

Updated my story on Kuz's national team opportunity with the current roster math.

Per Woj's list of 12 players right now, Kuz would basically automatically make the final roster of 12. But as the training camp roster grows, he'll face stiff competition:https://t.co/xGxr3m7eop

— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: N/A

Credentials: NBA All-Rookie First-Team (2018), First-Team All-Pac-12 (2017)

The sophomore forward was arguably the most unexpected of the names mentioned who received training camp invitations. This will be a great experience for Kuzma as he becomes more experienced playing on a very young team. But as a ball-dominant player, it’s hard to imagine he has much room to actually make Team USA at this point in his career. Either way, he’ll learn a lot being among the elite players in the NBA at this training camp.

PJ Tucker, Houston Rockets (Forward)

Two more tough-minded, veteran players discussed as Team USA training camp possibilities for the FIBA World Cup roster, per sources: Houston's PJ Tucker and Denver's Paul Millsap.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: N/A

Credentials: BBL Finals MVP (2012), Israeli Super League MVP (2008), Big 12 Player of the Year

While he might be the least decorated and accomplished of the invitees, the Houston forward is one of the best role players in the NBA. He offers some extraordinary value to his squad on both sides of the ball primarily as a super tenacious defender with a knack for hitting clutch shots. Tucker plays well off the ball and can knock down corner three-pointers as an effective floor spacer in the frontcourt.

Paul Millsap, Denver Nuggets (Forward)

Rumor: Paul Millsap discussed as Team USA camp invitee https://t.co/0kDbPr3RsL

— Denver Stiffs (@denverstiffs) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: USA Training Camp (2014)

Credentials: Four-time NBA All-Star (2014-17), Three-time NCAA rebounding leader (2004-06), Lousiana Mr. Basketball (2003)

Millsap may join Denver teammates Nikola Jokic (Serbia), as well as Jamal Murray (Canada) and Juan Hernangomez (Spain) as Nuggets who’d likely represent their country next season. It is fair to consider him a longshot but it would be a smart addition given he is a polished veteran and as a very strong locker room leader. He is good at making the right plays and would be a solid frontcourt option off the bench.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (Forward)

(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Previous Experience: U16 Americas Championship (2013), U17 World Cup (2014), U19 World Cup (2015)

Credentials: NBA All-Rookie First-Team (2018), ACC All-Freshman Team (2017), Gatorade Player of the Year (2016)

When it comes to accomplishments, much like Kuzma, it’s unclear if Tatum has yet done enough to earn a spot playing for Team USA. He may have even taken a step back from year-one to year-two. But the wing actually set the bar high enough during his first year in the league with his potential that he might have warranted a spot. If not to add him for what he can during his first time representing the USA, it may be even more beneficial to add him so he could bring that with him for future national tournaments.

Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers (Forward)

#Sixers PF Tobias Harris is expected to participate in USA basketball’s training camp in August.

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: USA Select Team (2014), USA Training Camp (2015), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: SEC-All-Freshman Team (2011), McDonald’s All-American (2010), Mr. New York Basketball (2010)

Harris would be a strong fit for the National Team because he has a diverse set of skills on the offensive side of the ball. He is a fantastic spot-up shooter and can play well off the ball, as he often proved with the Philadelphia 76ers. But he can also create his own shot off the dribble and as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll actions like he did with the L.A. Clippers. The biggest hangup is that he will have a major free agency decision to make this summer.

Zion Williamson, Duke Blue Devils (Forward)

USA Basketball has invited Zion Williamson to join the 10-man select team that will compete alongside the 18-man training camp roster Coach Gregg Popovich will oversee in Las Vegas in early August, @NYTSports has learned

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: N/A

Credentials: National College Player of the Year (2019), ACC Player of the Year (2018), South Carolina Mr. Basketball (2018)

Here is what Marc Stein reported about Williamson potentially playing for the national team (via New York Times):

“USA Basketball 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’.”

Regardless of how much playing time he would get, if any, his presence has two significant perks. The first is it would give him invaluable experience playing at the most competitive and elite level. This would help prepare him to take steps from the NCAA to the NBA, where he will be expected to make a difference for the New Orleans Pelicans off the bat. But it would also help stir up some more interest from the general public who may otherwise be reluctant to watch without longtime national star LeBron James and former Team USA fixtures in the mix.

LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs (Forward)

(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Previous Experience: USA Select Team (2008), USA Training Camp (2015)

Credentials: Seven-time NBA All-Star (2012-16, 2018-19), Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2006), McDonald’s All-American (2004)

Aldridge is currently the only candidate invited to training camp whose regular season head coach (Gregg Popovich) is also on the Team USA coaching staff. It helps, too, that Popovich is the head coach of the national team and not just an assistant. He comes with his own merits, though, as he provides a versatile skill set on both sides of the ball.

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans (Big)

USA Basketball has begun assembling its roster for this summer's @FIBAWC in China and has a commitment from Charlotte's Kemba Walker as well as strong indications from New Orleans' Anthony Davis that he would like to play, according to league sources

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 2, 2019

Credentials: Six-time NBA All-Star (2014-19), NCAA National Champion (2012), National Player of the Year (2012)

In terms of all-around talent, Davis would be the primary superstar for Team USA. He is absolutely elite on both sides of the ball and there is a reason his trade demand is currently off the charts. The big man is worth consideration as the main player to run the offense around given what he can do as a scorer. Davis can shoot and plays a tremendously effective game near the basket. He offers so much versatility and upside that it would be extraordinarily tough to guard him should he says to the invitation.

Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers (Big)

Previous Experience: USA Select Team (2008), Team USA Exhibitions (2012), Olympic Games (2012), USA Training Camp (2014), USA Training Camp (2015), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: NBA Champion (2016), Five-time NBA All-Star (2011-12, 2014, 2017-18), NBA Most Improved Player (2011)

It feels like Love would make this roster less for what he offers on the court and more for what he would provide off of it. He is a perfect player to bridge the gap between playing alongside the previous generation and the next one. While he returned to the Cavaliers last season after missing significant time due to injury, it’s unclear yet if he would be willing to join the likes of another grueling World Cup schedule this offseason.

Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks (Big)

Previous Experience: USA Training Camp (2009), USA Training Camp (2010)

Credentials: NBA All-Star (2013), NBA All-Rookie First-Team (2009), McDonald’s All-American (2006)

The transformation of his game to help stretch the floor as a three-point shooter was one of the reasons for his team’s success. Lopez was doing unheralded things as a shooter, training shots from exceedingly long distance for Milwaukee. He’ll certainly have a big summer as a free agent whether it’s with the Bucks or otherwise. But in a more modern offense, he is a perfect fit. On the defense side of the ball, Lopez can also add value as a shot blocker.

Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons (Big)

(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Previous Experience: U16 Americas Championship (2009), U17 World Cup (2010), USA Training Camp (2014), Team USA Exhibitions (2014), FIBA World Cup (2014), USA Training Camp (2015), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: Two-time NBA All-Star (2016-18), All-NBA 3rd Team (2016), three-time NBA rebounding leader (2016, 2018-19)

Every basketball team needs a rim protector and someone to clean the glass off missed shots. Few do either of those things better than Drummond, who can block shots and pull down rebounds at an elite rate. While there may not be much else he offers, those traits are good enough to earn him a spot on any squad. He is unlikely to earn a spot among the starters but playing against the second units on other teams, the big man will grab enough boards and blocks to make it worth his while for the trip.

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers (Big)

Pacers center Myles Turner plans to participate in Team USA training camp (Aug. 5-8), source told @TheAthleticIND.

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 5, 2019

Previous Experience: U18 Americas Championship (2014), USA Select Team (2016), USA Training Camp (2017)

Credentials: NBA blocks leader (2019), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2016), McDonald’s All-American (2014)

Turner is a terrific interior defender and he’s coming off of the best season of his NBA career, averaging 13.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.0 three-pointer per game for the Indiana Pacers (while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three-point range). With his ability to knock down long-range shots and protect the rim, Turner is the perfect big man for how the game is played today. Plus, Turner has Team USA experience and he’s only 23 years old, meaning his best basketball is likely still ahead of him.

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