Gregg Popovich’s selection troubles seem to be mounting every day as now he’s left without experienced forward P.J. Tucker, who has withdrawn from the roster due to a twisted ankle. Popovich already faced numerous withdrawals in the past few weeks, and he barely managed to assemble a squad of 15 players. However, he will have to work with just 14 at the moment as the FIBA World Cup in China begins in two weeks.
Tucker withdrew before the exhibition game against Spain, which the Americans won 90-81. Tucker has twisted his left ankle twice in the last several days and decided to leave Team USA training camp to let the ankle to heal fully, so he can be healthy for the Rockets training camp next month.
“I twisted it in a game last Friday and again in practice [Thursday] and I know they’re about to go to Australia,” Tucker told Houston’s KRIV-TV. “I didn’t want to be hobbling and then come back [injured] in camp. It just made sense.”
Overtalk! 🔊 Listen in with P.J. Tucker mic'd up at #USABMNT training camp. @ATT pic.twitter.com/4X33teUafV
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 15, 2019
The 34-year-old veteran was the oldest player left on Popovich’s squad, but now when he’s gone, the Americans will surely miss Tucker’s experience, defensive skills, and leadership.
Those 14 players on the @usabasketball roster that must ultimately be reduced to 12:
Harrison Barnes
Jaylen Brown
De'Aaron Fox
Joe Harris
Kyle Kuzma
Brook Lopez
Khris Middleton
Donovan Mitchell
Mason Plumlee
Marcus Smart
Jayson Tatum
Myles Turner
Kemba Walker
Derrick White— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 16, 2019
Team USA will leave for Australia on Saturday and will play three exhibition games and have several practices before Gregg Popovich decides which 12 players will participate at the FIBA World Cup in China.
