On March 16, FIBA held the World Cup draw Shenzhen Cultural Center in Shenzhen, China, where the championships will take place.
The draw was used to determine what groups the 32 countries will play in once the tournament starts on August 31. The US National Team landed in Group E with Turkey, Czech Republic and Japan.
The American team will look to win it for the sixth time in the history of the tournament, and the third time in a row. However, as of right now, we still don’t know the full roster that the team will send to China this summer.
During the 2014 games, Klay Thompson, Steph Curry and DeMarcus Cousins were a part of the gold medal team that took it all in Spain. Thompson has an opportunity to represent the team again this year, but isn’t sure if he’s ready to commit yet.
“I’m not sure, you gotta ask me after The Finals, then I’ll have a good answer for you. It’s just because a lot can happen between now and then. It’s an honor to represent my country, it’s always fun to play in China — but um, come ask me that in a couple of months.”
Back in 2014, the Warriors hadn’t gone through any long Finals runs yet, but that summer did help the team prepare for their first title to close out the 2014-15 NBA season. After five years, four Finals runs, three titles and potentially one more of each, Thompson may opt for rest over extra travel and playing in China.
Thompson does love China, though, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he does decide to join the USMNT considering how popular he is with the fans out there.
Only time will tell, but you have to love the gusto with him saying “after the Finals.” That kind of singular thinking is a good sign for the Warriors.
