Because several frontcourt candidates withdrew from consideration for the U.S. national team, USA Basketball invited Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap to its training camp this week in Las Vegas.
At first USA Basketball said it would not add any players to the roster despite the withdrawal of Kevin Love, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge. But officials changed their minds and Sunday announced they added Millsap, who can play multiple positions.
“Paul has prior experience at the National Team level having participated in the 2009 National Team mini-camp and offers us veteran inside player who possesses attributes that can be beneficial for us,” said chairman Jerry Colangelo in a release.
Millsap’s addition means 19 players will be competing for a spot on the final roster of 12 that will play in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain beginning August 30.