USA Basketball 2014 Showcase: A Look Back At Stephen Curry And Klay Thompson’s Performances (Photo: @jas0n_t on Instagram)
THOMAS & MACK CENTER, LAS VEGAS, NV — Team USA’s intrasquad scrimmage ended prematurely Friday night after Paul George broke his right leg in the middle of the fourth quarter at Thomas & Mack Center.
Though Team USA President Jerry Colangelo and head coach Mike Kryzewski weren’t ready to discuss what happens next, George’s injury will have major ramifications on the U.S. Men’s National Team as it prepares for the FIBA World Cup in Spain at the end of the summer.
Not only does a roster spot open up — George was a lock to make the team — but also a likely spot in the starting five, which could be big news for Klay Thompson, who started opposite George at small forward in the Showcase.
Thompson wasn’t spectacular in the scrimmage, but his impressive performance in training camp leading up to the game should likely be enough to solidify a roster spot, especially with Team USA in need of another wing man.
Klay shot 4-for-7 from the field but didn’t hit a three-pointer (0-for-2), and made a few mental mistakes that led to 3 turnovers and 2 fouls, including one committed against Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry on a three-point shot attempt near the start of the game.
Curry was believed to have a roster spot locked up coming in, and did nothing to jeopardize that, totaling 9 points and 3 assists, including a 5-for-5 mark from the free-throw line.
Derrick Rose, Curry’s main competition for playing time at point guard, turned in an impressive performance after missing most of the past two NBA seasons with leg injuries. The Chicago Bulls star scored just 8 points, but went 3-for-4 from the field and showcased the athleticism that helped him become league MVP in 2011.
Though an injury to George may not have been Thompson’s ideal way of earning more playing time, small forward could end up being the spot Thompson sees the most action.
James Harden scored 15 points on 9 shot attempts, DeMar DeRozan added 16 points of his own and Bradley Beal scored 11 off the bench, all outscoring Thompson and Curry, and increasing the competition for playing time at shooting guard.
Curry’s ability to shoot the ball means Kryzewski is also likely to play two point guards for significant stretches during the World Cup, so playing time exclusively at point guard could be extremely limited.
With Kevin Durant playing “Stretch Four”, Team USA will need another defensive minded wing to replace what George brought to the table.
Thompson appears to be the best option given his length and attention to defense, advantages he holds over Harden, DeRozan and Beal.
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