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Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young has tackled the start of his second season with a full head of steam, recently adding some weight to his small frame and taking part on USA Basketball's Select Team through the summer. While Young has impressed and shown signs of improvement from his rookie season, the Oklahoma product is unlikely to make the final 12-man roster for the FIBA World Cup, according to Ben Golliver of The Washington Post.
Young has a tough road ahead to make the cut, as Kemba Walker is likely already stenciled in as the starter and recent call-up De'Aaron Fox has many thinking he deserves a spot on the roster. The largest variable is veteran Kyle Lowry, who is awaiting a green light from his doctor after undergoing surgery on his thumb. If he is unable to play, it would push Fox to be Walker's immediate backup at the point guard position, but Young wouldn't be the first name called up to follow him.
USA Basketball officials have been high on San Antonio Spurs point man Derrick White, an older, more experienced player who has shown a good mix of speed, strength and court vision — something the team will need in a guard-heavy international style. White is expected to be called up to join the senior team and could potentially be the third-string man at the point guard slot if Lowry is a no-go.
Young would be the victim of a bevy of talent for this team, but regardless of the outcome, he should return for his next season much better than his first.
