USA Basketball: Players poised to make the 2019 World Cup roster

Guards

For the guard position, Team USA has typically carried around 4-5 guards on the 12 man roster. Last Olympics, USA Basketball had two point guards in Kyrie Irving and Kyle Lowry as well as two shooting guards in Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan, and Klay Thompson. For the 2019 FIBA World Cup, expect the team to also be comprised with 4 guards.

At the point guard, the likely starter  for Team USA is Damian Lillard.  Lillard has never made a USA Basketball Senior roster but was a finalist for the 2016 Olympic team. Damian’s skillset also lends its hand in FIBA basketball as he can shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor while also playmaking for his teammates. Along with Lillard’s tremendous play these playoffs thus far, there is no question of his spot on the Team USA roster come August.

Backing up Lillard at the point would be Mike Conley. A 12-year veteran, Conley brings a style that has been a staple of USA Basketball, the sturdy reliable leader. A dependable guard who will control the tempo and get his younger teammates involved, Conley is the perfect compliment to Lillard and Team USA. Despite not having any FIBA experience on the senior level, Conley was also a finalist for the 2016 USA Basketball Olympic team.

For shooting guard, USA Basketball’s potential starter next to Lillard is Bradley Beal.  The two-time All Star gives Team USA both a capable scorer and shooter. Bradley is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals while fully embracing himself as the Wizard’s featured player.

Since the Washington Wizards are not going to be a part of the 2019 NBA Playoffs, Beal will have plenty of rest and recovery time to get ready to compete in China.

A guy who will challenge Beal for a starting spot and playing time at the two is Devin Booker.  Booker, one of two members of the 2016 USA Men’s Select Team to make the jump to the National Team roster, has a similar makeup of fellow Team USA member James Harden. Like Harden, Booker can score well from all four levels (at the rim, from the mid-range, behind the three point line, and at the free throw line).

While his 3-point percentage has left much to be desired this season, the closer FIBA line should help Booker become more successful shooter from that range.

Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook are most likely not going to be joining Team USA in China as they all usually rest over the summer due to their heavy workload during the season. Curry and Harden last played for USA Basketball in 2014 while Westbrook hasn’t played on the Senior Team since the London Olympics in 2012.

Honorable mentions: Eric Gordon, Kyle Lowry, and CJ McCollum.