PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland Trail Blazers all-star guard Damian Lillard is the latest in a line of NBA superstars to withdraw from Team USA as it prepares for the FIBA World Cup in China.
Team USA is led by San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. The team has not officially commented on Lillard, or teammate CJ McCollum’s departure from the team. McCollum reportedly dropped out last week.
Other stars, including top overall draft pick Zion Williamson (Pelicans), James Harden (Rockets) and Anthony Davis (Lakers) have also reportedly decided to skip the summer tournament. Most players are citing a desire to prepare for the 2019-2020 NBA season instead, since the FIBA World Cup is scheduled to take place just weeks before many NBA teams tip off their training camps.
USA Basketball is scheduled to hold training camp in Las Vegas from August 5-8. The final 12-man roster is expected to be released on August 17. The FIBA World Cup takes place in China from August 31 to September 15.