Wizards guard Bradley Beal has become the latest Team USA star to withdraw from consideration for the 2019 World Cup, reports Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). According to Haynes, Beal has a new baby on the way in late August or early September, which is when the World Cup is scheduled to take place.
Beal is the fifth player from Team USA’s initial 20-man training camp roster to remove his name from consideration for this year’s event. The squad’s backcourt has been hit particularly hard, with James Harden, CJ McCollum, Eric Gordon, and Beal all pulling out. Anthony Davis has also withdrawn.
Of course, Team USA is only permitted to carry 12 players on its eventual World Cup roster, so there are still more than enough names on the list of camp participants. Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some Select Team invitees receive stronger consideration for the final roster — it’s possible USA Basketball will also sent out additional invites to other players.
Here are the 15 players from the initial 20-man list who are still expected to attend training camp next month and vie for the 12 spots on Team USA’s 2019 World Cup roster:
- Harrison Barnes, F (Kings)
- Andre Drummond, C (Pistons)
- Tobias Harris, F (Sixers)
- Kyle Kuzma, F (Lakers)
- Damian Lillard, G (Trail Blazers)
- Brook Lopez, C (Bucks)
- Kevin Love, F (Cavaliers)
- Kyle Lowry, G (Raptors)
- Note: Lowry recently underwent thumb surgery but reportedly intends to be ready for the World Cup.
- Khris Middleton, G/F (Bucks)
- Paul Millsap, F/C (Nuggets)
- Donovan Mitchell, G (Jazz)
- Jayson Tatum, F (Celtics)
- Myles Turner, C (Pacers)
- P.J. Tucker, F (Rockets)
- Kemba Walker, G (Celtics)
Why would any legit star take the risk of getting pg13’d… it’s not even an Olympic year.
At the rate the withdrawals are going, they may not even need to make any cuts to the roster
Interesting team… no superstars outside of Dame. All great players, and a bunch of All-Stars too… I think they’ll still fare well against any international competition.