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De'Aaron Fox was the talk of USA Basketball's training camp, being promoted from the Select Team to the national roster shortly after practices began in Las Vegas. After showing out in a televised scrimmage a week later, it seemed only a matter of time until the Sacramento Kings point guard was named as one of the 12 players who would represent his country at the 2019 FIBA World Cup later this month.
Wrong. Fox withdrew from consideration for Team USA on August 17, providing no justification for his decision other than a desire to focus on the 2019-20 season. It was a shocking development for a player who had been lauded by coaches and teammates since training camp tipped off, and seemed an integral cog of the Americans' attack due to his blinding speed in the open floor and ability to get to the rim. Naturally, speculation followed as to the real reason why Fox so suddenly called his time with USA Basketball quits.
TMZ Sports caught up with the 22-year-old on Monday, who despite shedding no further light on his choice to withdraw, insisted it wasn't injury-related.
“That's for me to know,” Fox said of his reasoning. “I'm completely healthy.”
Fox walked off the floor with a slight limp during Team USA's exhibition victory over Spain on August 16, leading many to believe he elected against continuing with the national program to ensure his health for the upcoming season. Fortunately, it appears any injury concerns were always overblown.
As for the real reason why Fox bailed on the FIBA World Cup? Apparently, it's for him to know and us to never find out for sure.
