Numerous NBA stars declined to take part in the Team USA training camp in Las Vegas and will not travel to the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China. Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Kemba Walker is not one of them, and he is excited for the chance to represent his country.
“This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of us,” Walker said. “I think a lot of us are happy those guys pulled out because this is our chance. It’s our chance to get on the big stage and showcase our talent. A chance for us to do something new. It’ll be a new-look team. Everybody is kind of doubting us, but I think we’re hungry.”
Safe to say, @KembaWalker is having FUN with Team USA 😁 pic.twitter.com/hD5v8JQpXk
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) August 5, 2019
Donovan Mitchell believes this team has quality and is ready to claim a third straight World Cup.
“Obviously, we play with more of a chip [on our shoulders],” Mitchell said. “I think a lot of countries think they see an opening, so for us we have to go out there and compete and get ready. We’re going to get every team’s best shot.”
Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich stated several times that he is not going to look back at the players who are not included, he is only interested in the players who are in.
“I’ve said that we’re going to be fine and by that what I really meant is that we’re blessed with a lot of depth in USA Basketball,” he said. “All of the players here want to be here, there’s no question about it. And that’s a big part of the battle itself. And so, when you look at the enthusiasm, the youth, the athleticism and versatility, that’ll really work well for us because our depth will be a factor.”
The 2019 FIBA World Cup starts in China on Aug. 31. Team USA’s first game is against the Czech Republic on Sept. 1.
