USA Basketball has cut four players, including center JaVale McGee, which helps but does not ensure Brook Lopez a spot on Team USA's final roster. McGee, Gerald Wallace, O.J. Mayo and Tyreke Evans (who's been injured) were dropped, putting the roster at 15.
The roster still must be trimmed to 12 by August 26, two days before the FIBA World Championships begin in Turkey. Lopez is now one of two natural centers on the team, along with Tyson Chandler of the Mavericks, but Coach Mike Krzyzewski has also been playing Lamar Odom at the five.
USAB Chairman Jerry Colangelo said he was not aware before camp that Lopez was recovering from mononucleosis, adding the Nets center has has a "lot to prove" during next month's World Basketball Festival in New York.
- And Then There Were 15 - John Schuhmann - NBA.com
- Team USA Trims Roster to 15, Cuts Evans, Mayo, McGee, Wallace - Chris Tomasson - FanHouse
-
Evans, Mayo, Wallace, McGee cut - Chris Sheridan - ESPN
- US trims roster of candidates for worlds to 15 - Brian Mahoney - AP
- Team USA cut to 15, no surprises - Kurt Helin - NBC Sports
-
Nets star survives USA cut - Fred Kerber - New York Post
-
Lopez survives USA cuts...but is it for the best? - Gregory Hrinya - Examiner
-
USA Basketball: Colangelo and Krzyzewski (Video) - NBA.com