USA Basketball isn't exactly sending its strongest side to the FIBA World Cup.

LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Steph Curry, arguably the three best players in the world, never seriously considered participating with the national team this summer. Prior stalwarts like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson were kept from competition by injury, but there was no guarantee either would have played otherwise. The projected leaders of Team USA, then, were supposed to be James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard, but each of them pulled out of the World Cup to focus on preparing for the wide-open 2019-20 season. Bradley Beal, C.J. McCollum, Kevin Love, Tobias Harris, Eric Gordon, and others ultimately declined, too.

But just because the Americans won't be at their best in China hardly means they lack for talent. Team USA will enter World Cup play as overwhelming favorites to defend win gold, just like always. What's unclear, though, is whether one of its most impressive players in training camp will be there to defend back-to-back golds.

USA Basketball announced earlier this week that Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is out indefinitely with calf tightness. Before being sidelined on August 7, he's apparently been one of the best players in training camp.

“Marcus Smart, the [first] two days was one of the best players on the court,” Team USA assistant Steve Kerr said, per Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports.

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Team USA's roster stands at 17 players following the close of training camp; it needs to cut five before the World Cup begins on August 31. Players and coaches will reconvene in Los Angeles last this week before an exhibition against Spain on August 16.

Before his injury, Marcus Smart was considered a near-lock to make the Americans' FIBA roster due to his incredible defensive versatility, improving long-range shooting, and ability to make quick reads on offense. There's still a good chance he goes to China if he's healthy, but every day Smart is out another he could be cementing his status in a crowded field of wings.