After playing in five straight NBA Finals, Steph Curry and Draymond Green have a ton of extra miles on their legs, and Klay Thompson is recovering from surgery on his torn left ACL.
But newcomer D'Angelo Russell doesn't have the same wear-and-tear, which is why he could find himself playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup later this summer.
The Athletic's Joe Vardon reported on Monday that Team USA is considering adding Russell as a replacement on the roster that will compete in China.
Russell is under consideration because a plethera of marquee stars have withdrawn from the competition in recent days to focus on the 2019-20 NBA season.
On Monday alone, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris and No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson pulled out of the event. Anthony Davis, James Harden, Bradley Beal, C.J. McCollum and Eric Gordon have all withdrawn in recent days. Vardon reported Monday that Damian Lillard and Kevin Love are expected to make their decisions in the coming days.
Russell had a breakout 2018-19 season with the Brooklyn Nets and earned his first All-Star Game selection. In 81 games, the former No. 2 overall draft pick averaged 21.1 points and 7.0 assists in 30.2 minutes.
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The Warriors acquired Russell earlier in July as part of the sign-and-trade deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Nets.
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While the Warriors would probably prefer if Russell rested and got ready for his first season with the team, getting to experience the Team USA environment and playing in high-level competition could be beneficial for the 23-year-old. Getting a taste of winning can't hurt, either.
