While USA Basketball reconvened in Chicago today, DeMarcus Cousins went down during practice due to injury.
The Sacramento Kings center injured his right knee in the first of two mini-camp practices as Team USA prepares for World Cup action later this month. Following practice, USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo told reporters in Chicago that the Sacramento Kings big man will undergo an MRI and will not play in Team USA’s friendly exhibition against Brazil on Saturday evening.
“Thanks for all the concern,” Cousins tweeted a few hours after practice ended. “I’m fine.”
According to reports from the scene, the injury occurred during the scrimmage portion of practice. After going down, the Sacramento Kings center had to be helped off the court by USA Basketball training staff. Some suggested that he didn’t appear to be in too much pain as medical staff examined the severity of the injury.
“I talked to him on the way out,” Sacramento Kings teammate Rudy Gay said to Yahoo! Sports following practice. “I think he’ll be OK. I hope he’s just being a drama queen.”
Cousins is in consideration to make the final roster for the FIBA World Cup, which tips off on Aug. 30 in Spain. The Sacramento Kings center is one of five big men (Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Mason Plumlee and Kenneth Faried) that remain in USA Basketball’s pool of players.
In addition to Cousins, Gay is also in the running for a spot on the USA’s World Cup team. The Sacramento Kings starting small forward was added to the mix following the devastating leg injury to Paul George and the withdrawal of reigning MVP Kevin Durant from the USA Basketball pool.
Updated at 1:36 pm
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
