Boston Celtics combo guard Marcus Smart had a sore ankle on Tuesday and took himself out of Team USA practice as a precaution.

Smart is hopeful to be back on the court on Wednesday.

The last thing the Celtics need is for Marcus Smart to get hurt in Las Vegas. After all, Smart is the heart and soul of the team.

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Last season, Smart averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists for the Celtics while shooting 42.2 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the free-throw line. He's joined in Las Vegas by Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown.

Team USA is using the training camp this week to decide which 12 players are going to compete in the World Cup in China. Multiple All-Stars dropped out, which is why Smart was invited to the training camp.

After what happened to Paul George in 2014, teams are always going to be a little scared watching their players compete for Team USA. Smart, though, is dealing with minor ankle soreness. He should be good to go for Wednesday's practice.

Since Smart is an elite defender, he could have a really good shot at making the 12-man roster, which is coached by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.