After multiple withdraws from the team, Team USA has made an addition. Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap has been added to the 2014-16 U.S. Men’s National team roster. Team USA made the announcement on Sunday.
Millsap joins Bradley Beal, DeMarcus Cousins, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, Kevin Durant, Kenneth Faried, Paul George, James Harden, Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver, Damien Lillard, Chandler Parsons, Derrick Rose, Klay Thompson, and John Wall on Team USA’s roster.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, and Blake Griffin have withdrawn from the team. It was also announced on Sunday that Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler won’t participate in training camp because of a groin injury, according to the Associated Press. Training camp begins on Monday in Las Vegas as Team USA begins preparing for the FIBA World Cup in Spain.
"I'm very excited about being added to the USA Men's National Team roster," Millsap said. "I look forward to practicing with and competing against some of the NBA's best for the honor of representing our country in Spain."
Last July Millsap signed with the Hawks after playing with the Utah Jazz for seven seasons. In his first season with the Hawks he had career highs in scoring (17.9), assists (3.1), total steals (129), three-point field goals made (76) and percentage (.358), and double-doubles (30), according to NBA.com. He was the only player last season to average at least 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Millsap has averaged 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a .507 shooting percentage in his eight-year career.
The addition of Millsap gives Team USA 19 players on its roster. It will be cut to 12 players for the World Cup. The winner of the World Cup will get an automatic bid to the 2016 Olympics in Rio.