Average NBA Players Dropping Out of FIBA World Cup is a National Embarrassment

For better or worse, Kawhi Leonard gave every other star in the NBA a load management roadmap. Unless playing is absolutely necessary, avoid it to preserve your body.

The best in the NBA have taken that idea to heart as the FIBA World Cup draws nearer. While superstars like James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard can be forgiven for trying to stay healthy and prep for the season by eschewing international competition, even slightly above average players have decided they're too good for this. Players that have also dropped out include Julius Randle, Paul Millsap and Montrezl Harrell.

The biggest stars on Team USA right now are Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker, and Donovan Mitchell. Not exactly the dream team.

The lack of star power has left Team USA with a bench of PJ Tucker, Thad Young, and Bam Adebayo.

Seriously. Bam Adebayo.

While the US should still be the favorite to take home the title, the fact that not one of these stars has enough pride in representing their country on a global scale is a bit concerning and raises questions about the future of the National Team.