WIth the USA Basketball roster depleted ahead of the FIBA World Cup, Team USA has extended an invitation to JJ Redick, a player not originally included on the roster heading into this summer. Redick, who signed with the Pelicans this summer on a two-year, $26.5 million deal, is interested in joining the team but will weigh his choices, according to ESPN.
“I’m thrilled beyond belief to be considered but also trying to work through our family’s transition to New Orleans.”
Training camp for the FIBA World Cup is set to start on Aug. 5 with USA’s first game on Sep. 1 against the Czech Republic. Over the course of the summer, USA Basketball has struggled to gain commitments from a number of players with stars backing out left and right.
A host of younger players are on the preliminary roster right now highlighted by Donovan Mitchell, De’Aaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner. A handful of veterans in Kyle Lowry, PJ Tucker and Thad Young have also remained committed to the team.
Redick would be one of the few reliable shooters from deep on the team if he committed. He would also serve as a great mentor for younger players on the roster, a role he recently admitted to accepting in the past.
Overall, on a USA Team that will lack stars, Redick could provide some stability and consistency to a young guard rotation.
