Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich is mulling over the idea of bringing 15 players to Australia when they travel there to face the Boomers in two exhibition games later this month.
Team USA is set to face the Australians at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on August 22 and 24. One would think that by that time, coach Pop would've finalized the 12-man roster that will head to China to compete in the FIBA World Cup on August 31-September 15, but it seems that he's carefully weighing in on his options.
Of course, it's still possible that Popovich would've made his decision by then, but bringing at least 15 also makes sense as it will give him and his staff a preview of what each selected individual can do in an actual game against one of the world's best teams.
Some of the players who are expected to make the final roster are Charlotte Hornets' Kemba Walker, Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton, Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry, and Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal.
Back in June, USA Basketball announced the 20-man roster that would've competed in Australia for the said exhibition games. Some of the names included were Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis, Houston Rockets' James Harden, Blazers' Damian Lillard, and Philadelphia 76ers' Tobias Harris. Unfortunately, those four individuals have decided to withdraw their commitment to Team USA, opting to focus on getting better for the sake of their team's title aspirations next season.
The Aussies will be without one of their best players as well, as Sixers' Ben Simmons have also withdrawn his commitment to the Boomers.
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