Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics expressed their excitement to be even under consideration to represent the United States this summer for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Per Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports, a source close to both players said that Smart and Brown “would be thrilled to represent the United States this summer and beyond.”

This news comes in after a slew of NBA stars have backed out to represent Team USA for the FIBA World Cup in China from August 31 to September 15, 2019.

Players such as Anthony Davis, James Harden, Bradley Beal, CJ McCollum, Eric Gordon, Tobias Harris and Zion Williamson all took their names off the Team USA talent pool, citing various reasons — particularly  the desire to focus on preparing for the 2019-20 NBA season.

As of this writing, only Damian Lillard, Kemba Walker, Donovan Mitchell, Kyle Lowry, Khris Middleton, Jayson Tatum, Harrison Barnes, P.J. Tucker, Andre Drummond, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Paul Millsap are certain to be on Team USA's minicamp this August.

The addition of Smart and Tatum is undoubtedly big for Team USA. It will also be a good opportunity for the Celtics, as they can see how their newly-signed poing guard, Kemba Walker, will play alongside Smart, Tatum and Brown.