OKC Thunder Rumors: Russell Westbrook remains undecided for Team USA mini camp
With Team USA mini camp set to tip off in one week, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leornard remain undecided on attending.
There’s never a shortage of drama in the NBA off season. And even though putting together a national team is supposed to be a time of uniting as one, there will always be awkward reunions. The reunion of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant maybe second only to that of Kawhi Leornard and Gregg Popovich.
Several players including LeBron James and Stephen Curry have already made it clear they won’t be attending the three-day camp. Since James skipped the Rio Olympics in 2016, he will be a question mark to compete in the 2019 World Cup in China.
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Curry, on the other hand, is skipping the camp for more personal reasons, as the birth of his son takes precedence. Others who have decided not to attend include Isaiah Thomas and Gordon Hayward.
BREAKING NEWS: In addition to @StephenCurry30 missing Team USA camp, @russwest44 is on the fence, and @isaiahthomas and @gordonhayward will not practice, sources tell @Get_More_Sports.
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) July 17, 2018
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Kevin Durant, however, has already stated he will be attending the camp. This could be why Westbrook has hesitated to make his decision. But they have been able to put their personal beef aside in the past during the Olympics and the All-Star game.
For Leonard, the decision is a bit more complicated. For the first time in his professional career, there’s drama surrounding him.
Since voicing his frustration with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard has been the talk of trade rumors. So maybe Popovich’s presence in training camp is enough to keep him away.
Although, as of now, it appears Leonard is leaning towards attending. And like Westbrook, Leonard is a player who has a spot on the roster if he wants it.
Whatever decisions are made this week, nothing will be earth shattering. There’s only 12 roster spots, and there likely won’t be any surprises. Anyone who decides to skip camp is still eligible to participate in the World Cup and Olympics.