Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball managing director /VCG Photo
In the past month, multiple NBA superstars including Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, LeBron James, James Harden, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have expressed their interest in playing for Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. However, Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball managing director does not seem too excited about it.
"The reality is the World Cup, although it's very big around the world, it doesn't have the same status in the States. Our focus is apparently on the Olympics, and I expected a different response," said Colangelo, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
Colangelo had a point. Nonetheless, as the tournament approached, players continued to withdraw and the team had to invite a new group of candidates, many of whom again chose to leave.
Players of Team USA in the game against France in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, September 11, 2019. /VCG Photo
As a result, probably the weakest Team USA in recent years went to China and suffered two losses before finishing the event with the worst record in franchise history, at No. 7.
Vardon also revealed something that may dampen fans' excitement about the players' remarks. So far not a single player has picked up the phone and called Colangelo. The 2019-20 NBA season will not be over until June next year. Therefore, Team USA can only launch its training camp after that in July.
So a lot could happen over such a long period of time that may change the players' minds. Besides, they could still withdraw even if they join the camp. So there's no need to hold your breath until you see any actual move by the stars.