Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Harris is aware of how important USA basketball is to Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich.
Popovich, who comes from a military background, is coaching his first FIBA World Cup after taking over for Mike Krzyzewski.
“For a number of reasons, but ultimately the way he talks about us having these three U-S-A letters across our chest, we know what this means to him,” Harris said, via Tim Reynolds of the AP. “He obviously has a tremendous amount of pride and respect for his country and you can feel it in how he goes about his business. This isn’t something he’s just doing for the hell of it.”
“It’s impossible to separate it if you have been in the military,” Popovich said. “I’ve had classmates that have fought in wars — I have not — and some of them are no longer with us. You get an appreciation for people who have sacrificed. So when you have an opportunity to do this for your country, it’s impossible to say no. I love being part of it.”
Team USA opens up group play against the Czech Republic when the FIBA World Cup starts on Sept. 1.
The 12-man Team USA roster is set after Los Angeles Lakers small forward withdrew with an ankle injury.
Team USA is made up of Kemba Walker, Derrick White, Marcus Smart, Joe Harris, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Khris Middleton, Jayson Tatum, Harrison Barnes, Brook Lopez, Mason Plumlee and Myles Turner.
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