Marcus Smart Joins Team USA Roster After Zion Williamson Drops Out
Team USA's FIBA World Cup roster is in the midst of some major turnover, and Zion Williamson is the latest player to pull out of the tournament to focus on his NBA team.
In response to Williamson's departure, Marcus Smart was added to the training camp roster ahead of the World Cup in China.
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been added onto USA Basketball’s training camp roster for FIBA World Cup, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 22, 2019
The roster continues to slim, as many of the mainstays from previous tournaments are no longer apart of the team. As currently constructed, the roster features only four players with previous World Cup or Olympics experience: Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, Kevin Love and Kyle Lowry.
Smart adds an element of defense to a team that is never known to pride itself on that side of the ball. The USA teams typically feature volume scorers and highlight reel playmakers.
Beal withdrawal leaves USA roster (now at 15) w/ just 2 guys (Tatum & Love) who were selected in the top 5 of the Draft.
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) July 22, 2019
The 15 previous USA teams w/ NBA players averaged 7.1 top-5 picks, with no fewer than 4.
With only 12 making the final roster and Thaddeus Young being added as only the 15th member, Smart has a real chance to make the final roster. The Celtics' guard offers a change of pace dynamic on defense not provided by the likes of Kemba Walker or Damian Lilliard, two of the guards virtually guaranteed to make the roster.
It's likely more players drop out of consideration, meaning Smart has as good a chance as any to be on the final roster come tournament time.