Summers for top NBA players seem to get busier and busier, and one reason is because of international competition.
Team USA will not attempt to qualify for the 2016 Olympics until next year's FIBA World Cup of Basketball (formerly the FIBA World Championships). However, this summer, 27 of the NBA's best young players will be in Las Vegas for a long weekend to help determine the roster for the World Cup and 2016 Olympics.
According to Mike Tokito of the Oregonian, that list includes Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving and Paul George.
The roster for the mini-camp:
Ryan Anderson, New Orleans
Harrison Barnes, Golden State
Bradley Beal, Washington
Mike Conley, Memphis
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento
Anthony Davis, New Orleans
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto
Andre Drummond, Detroit
Kenneth Faried, Denver
Derrick Favors, Utah
Paul George, Indiana
Taj Gibson, Chicago
Gordon Hayward, Utah
Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Ty Lawson, Denver
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
Damian Lillard, Portland
Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons
Chandler Parsons, Houston
Larry Sanders, Milwaukee
Klay Thompson, Golden State
Dion Waiters, Cleveland
Kemba Walker, Charlotte
John Wall, Washington
Tyler Zeller, Cleveland
There are probaby three lock of locks on this team: Irving, George and Anthony Davis for next year's squad. You cannot say for sure whether Ty Lawson or John Wall will be there because there are so many good guards that it is hard to get a read on who, outside of Irving is going to get the invite to Spain in 2014.
You also have guys like Steph Curry, who are already in the Team USA pool. Another question is whether guys like Kevin Durant and Kevin Love will be willing to play in the World Cup or if, like in 2010, we see a completely new roster from the previous Olympics.
The Team USA Mini-Camp runs from July 22-25 in Las Vegas.
