Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards declared himself “the No. 1 option” for Team USA during a media session on Sunday, but that’s not how he really views his place on the squad, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Vardon suggests that Edwards may have been performing a little bit when talking to reporters, defaulting to the brash personality that has helped him become one of the NBA’s most recognizable figures at age 22. Outside of the media spotlight, Edwards acknowledged that he’s teaming up with some of the greatest players of all time.
“We got LeBron (James), (Kevin Durant) and (Stephen Curry),” Edwards told Vardon. “So I don’t feel like nobody can beat those three by themselves on the court. You mix in two of us regular guys, we’ll be all right.”
Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are the only returning players from the U.S. contingent that failed to win a medal at last year’s FIBA World Cup. Edwards became a star on that team after initially being projected for a sixth-man slot, but he knows it will be more difficult to earn a consistent role while playing with legends.
“They mentioned some guys might not play some games, or might not play many minutes,” Edwards said. “I don’t mind. Like I said, I’m playing alongside Hall of Famers. So I’m just here. But if they need me, I’ll be one call away.”
There’s more on Team USA:
- A strained calf forced Durant to sit out the first two days of training camp, Vardon adds along with Shams Charania in a separate story for The Athletic. Coach Steve Kerr said the injury isn’t considered serious, but the Suns forward may miss Wednesday’s first exhibition game against Canada. “We’re just going to use an abundance of caution,” Kerr said. “It’s not bad. He’s assuring me that it’s not bad. We’re just going to be really careful and take it day by day.”
- Kawhi Leonard had fears that lingering inflammation in his right knee might cause him to miss the Olympics, but he’s experienced enough improvement that he expects to be ready to play, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “Yeah, but this is just my journey, so whatever … I can’t lay out the perfect script for me,” Leonard said. “Last year, I tried to play as much as possible, felt great. And at a certain period of time I couldn’t go. I tried the best that I could, but it’s just my journey. I don’t want to be in a situation that I do be in, but I got to take it for what it is. And a lot of people are watching, supporters or doubters, but I motivate a lot of people.” Leonard refused to comment on Paul George‘s decision to leave the Clippers in free agency, Bontemps adds, saying he wants to focus on Team USA.
- Kerr was amazed after watching James operate at full speed during Saturday’s first practice session, according to Mark Medina of Sportskeeda. The 39-year-old Lakers star had no problem keeping up with his younger teammates. “I was blown away by how hard he practices,” Kerr said.
Good to see LeBron, Kawhi, KD, and Curry all stepping up for the Olympic squad, but man if these guys were all in their prime this squad would be so nasty!!!
The Big Gym Lives. XOXO.
A strained calf already. Extreme caution? That would be sending Durant, Davis, Leonard, and Embiid home. This is just a disaster waiting to happen. The talk of them being better than the dream team laughable. If it wasn’t for Curry I’d probably want them to lose.
You are a clown lmao
Oddly satisfying to see the Lakers whiff on these free agents.
The only recent free agents mentioned in this article are LeBron James and Paul George. The Lakers signed LeBron and had no realistic way to acquire Paul George.
I would think KD’s calf is a major concern, given his history
I’ve seen ostriches with bigger calves than KD. Yeah, concern is warranted.
From the footage of the first scrimmage, still seems AD Will be a major piece. An amazing mix of physical tools and talent. Hit, among other plays, a 16-foot turnaround off the dribble, that’s just an awesome bucket. He reminds me of me xD (I really hit that shot, though at a local level. I’m 6’4.75 and like 235 lbs now, a tramp’s Jermaine O’Neal).
I hope KD Is okey, just awesome to watch play. It’s great to enjoy this kind of talent playing together. I think starting lineup Will be Curry KD Lebron Tatum Embiid. Though the ‘death lineup’ would feature AD over Tatum.
When your bench Is Jrue Booker/Edwards Kawhi AD/Tatum Adebayo, it seems things are safe.
Haliburton as 3rd string PG Is sick.