The FIBA World Cup did not go as planned for Team USA.
After losing to France in the medal round Wednesday, the Americans doubled down on a disappointing performance and lost to Serbia on Thursday, ensuring they'll finish no better than in seventh place in the tournament. Granted, Team USA did secure a 2020 Olympic bid days earlier, but given the expectations, there's no debating that the American result was an utter failure.
Team USA had the most talent in the tournament, but not its most talented roster. That's because numerous superstars turned down the opportunity to compete on the international stage, preferring rather to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
In the aftermath of the loss to Serbia, sports talk shows immediately began wondering which stars, now understanding their necessity, would participate on the 2020 Olympic team. One of those stars -- Golden State's Draymond Green -- has already thrown his name into the hat.
"I do hope to play, and I think a lot of guys will want to play," Green said Thursday on CNBC's 'Power Money.' "The schedule this year was a little treacherous with the games that was in America, and also the travel to Australia, which is why I think a lot of guys dropped out. You know, a long ways to China. It was just a lot, and it also leads right into the season. Those guys will be coming back in the next couple days and we'll be two weeks away from training camp."
[RELATED: Draymond knows 'no one' will want to see Dubs in playoffs]
Sports
There's no question the Americans could have used Green in the World Cup, but from the sounds of it, the only reason they won't have his services in the next international competition will be if they don't want him.
"I think you'll see a lot of guys participating next year in the Olympics," Green continued, "and I hope to be one of those 12 guys."
