NEWSLETTER
The NBA moves fast.
Only a couple of hours ago we were writing about the trouble Team USA has been having in recruiting players to participate in the FIBA World Cup, but they’re already busy making arrangements.
Several big-name stars opted to withdraw their names from the roster, which is unsurprising considering the rather large time commitment. Moreover, the risk of injury leading up to the season is certainly a concern when you consider the more rigorous in-game competition over the course of the two-week tournament. With this being the case, The Athletic released a short-list of substitutes for the withdrawn players. The Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown and New York Knicks Julius Randle highlight that list, but also on it appears new Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young.
According to Shams Charania, Young got the call.
Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young has been invited to participate on Team USA's training camp roster for World Cup, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 22, 2019
Thaddeus Young… AMERICAN HERO! It’s got a ring to it.
Anyway, the FIBA World Cup team will be coached by Greg Popovich and tips off in China at the beginning of September. Technically, the roster heading to China will only feature 12 members, but the Las Vegas training camp appears to be aiming for around 20 members.
If Young were to join, it would be his first time working under Team USA honors. He would become the 15th member of the training camp squad right now alongside stars like Damian Lillard and Kemba Walker. For a look at the current list, check out our previous article linked above.
With Young’s reputation as a strong teammate and his reliable presence on the court as a veteran, the invite actually makes a lot of sense. I’m not sure if he’ll end up being put on the final roster, but it’s hard to imagine he’ll pass up the opportunity to at least work out with the team in Las Vegas. Although, as we know, things are pretty unpredictable in the NBA world, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Now, call Zach LaVine!
