Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram and Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. are the latest players to commit to play for Team USA this summer, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets.
That brings the total of players who have reportedly committed to Team USA to eight. USA Basketball plans to finalize the 12-man roster later this month.
Team USA will compete for the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines.
A quartet of guards — the Timberwolves‘ Anthony Edwards, the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton , the Lakers’ Austin Reaves, and Knicks’ Jalen Brunson — have already pledged to play along with Nets forward Mikal Bridges and Bucks forward Bobby Portis.
Ingram averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists in an injury-marred season in which he played just 45 games. Jackson averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 1.0 steals in 63 regular-season contests en route to being named Defensive Player of the Year. Jackson will provide a much-needed shot blocking presence for the squad, which begins training camp Aug. 3 in Las Vegas.
Another Grizzlies big man, Santi Aldama, is expected to play for Spain in the World Cup.
Team USA will play its first exhibition game Aug. 7 against Puerto Rico and will also make stops in Spain and the United Arab Emirates before its World Cup opener Aug. 26 against New Zealand.
Jaren Jr’s shot blocking/paint presence is gonna be huge but just as important is his long range shooting ability bc that will unclog driving lanes. Rudy hopefully won’t be able to dominate the paint with guys like JJ & Portis that can stretch the floor… link to m.youtube.com
Going to be a fun team to watch!
I think good additions could be Mobley/Allen Wendell Carter, Keldon Johnson, Paolo, Jalen Williams, Huerter, Fox, and or Bane.