Mason Plumlee Added to USA World Cup Roster, Montrezl Harrell Reportedly Out
As stars continue to withdraw their names from contention for the FIBA World Cup, Team USA has added Montrezl Harrell and Mason Plumlee to its training camp roster.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the additions but noted that Harrell will decline the opportunity because of a scheduling conflict.
The current USA roster features only one player (Kemba Walker) who was named to an All-NBA team last season. Walker, Kyle Lowry and Khris Middleton are the only 2019 All-Stars, and Lowry's status is uncertain because of a thumb injury.
Plumlee was part of the 2014 FIBA World Cup team in Spain that won a gold medal. He'll join a player pool at center that includes Myles Turner, Andre Drummond and Brook Lopez. All three of those players appear to be more likely fits for the final roster, especially now that Gregg Popovich is the head coach. Plumlee made the 2014 roster in part because of his familiarity with his college coach, Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, who was coaching Team USA at the time.
Jaylen Brown, Julius Randle, Marcus Smart and Thaddeus Young have also been added to the roster.
Managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement:
"Since USA Basketball started the men's national team program in 2006, we have understood the necessity of fluidity within the program and the importance of having a deep national team roster that features both young and veteran standout NBA players. The six players we added today are all outstanding players in their own right, and along with the other players who will attend the World Cup Team training camp, will offer Coach Popovich and his staff some remarkable athleticism and versatility.
"USA Basketball is looking to select the best team possible for the FIBA World Cup as we attempt to win a third straight gold medal. We have a deep roster of men who have played for USA Basketball and who have experienced playing in FIBA events, so they understand the competitiveness of FIBA basketball and have respect for the other national teams. We're looking forward to exposing the selected players to FIBA World Cup competition and the incredible experience of representing their country in one of the world's premiere basketball's competitions."
Luckily for the United States, the talent coffers run deep. Team USA will go into the World Cup as heavy favorites despite fielding what most would call a skeleton crew of players. This is nevertheless the most vulnerable Team USA has looked on the international stage since the formation of the Redeem Team in 2008.
