John Wall said he wasn’t give a fair shot to make Team USA for the 2014 World Cup. Then, he (correctly) predicted he wouldn’t make the 2016 Olympic roster, either.
If the Wizards star resented USA Basketball, he’s using Gregg Popovich succeeding Mike Krzyzewski as coach as an opportunity to move on.
Ben Standing of The Sports Capitol:
I've discussed Team USA with John Wall five consecutive summers. Despite past frustrations, the Wizards point guard attended workouts this summer with hope. "Now I feel like it’s a different atmosphere. Try something new with Coach Pop being there. ”https://t.co/xnAMWBJCFD ($)
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 29, 2018
Jerry Colangelo remains managing director. So, it isn’t a completely new regime.
Nor is it a different landscape for Wall’s roster competition. The Americans are loaded at point guard. Beyond Wall, the player pool for the 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympic includes:
- Stephen Curry
- James Harden
- Kyrie Irving
- Russell Westbrook
- Chris Paul
- Damian Lillard
- Kyle Lowry
- Kemba Walker
- Mike Conley
- Isaiah Thomas
If Wall is committed to making Team USA, he has a chance. But the bar is quite high.