Dang.
Thaddeus Young’s Team USA journey has come to an abrupt end:
https://twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/1160046274059669504?s=20
The new Chicago Bulls forward was invited to join the roster after a long list of high-profile NBA talent turned down the chance to play in this summer’s FIBA World Cup in China. Over the past several weeks, the roster of 19 practiced in Las Vegas before competing in a scrimmage at T-Mobile Arena.
Team USA sported the blue jerseys while the select squad wore the White jerseys. During the game, Young got in for around 11 minutes but struggled to be very productive with only five points, no rebounds, and a turnover. He also recorded the team’s worst plus/minus while on the floor with -14. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the choice to cut Young and the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo was based on play throughout the weeks and not just last night.
For Bulls fans eager to see Young on the court, this certainly doesn’t feel like the best news. Although it’s important to keep in mind Young was still competing against some of the top talents in the league, and his invite to the training camp was a bit surprising, to begin with.
Young has developed a strong reputation for being a great team leader across the league, but when push comes to shove for an already depleted Team USA roster, talent is going to win out.
Nonetheless, let’s take a look back at Young’s brief time representing our country! (*starts playing God Bless America*)
We 👀 our guy, @yungsmoove21! https://t.co/4f2ggwdq1p
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 5, 2019
.@usabasketball Team Training Day 1 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/386INXoOaj
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1159849647449542657?s=20
Beautiful. *wipes away tears*
While it would have been cool to see a Chicago Bull balling out on the Team USA roster, Young was a long-shot to make it on the 12-man team from the start. His time may have been cut short, but now he can focus on preparing for the upcoming season by working out with his new teammates in Chicago (hopefully)!
The roster now consists of 17 members that will further be cut down to the standard 12 before the start of the tournament at the end of this month. With the San Antonio Spurs Derrick White and Sacramento Kings Marvin Bagley promoted, here is where the current Team USA roster stands:
The official list of 17 finalists for @usabasketball’s eventual 12-man roster for the @FIBAWC. As @NYTSports reported earlier this week, USAB officials have discussed taking 15 (or so) players to Australia and then making final cuts before the tournament begins Aug. 31 in China pic.twitter.com/1i2KVIzId5
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 10, 2019