Team USA finished up its exhibition slate in the United States with a win over Puerto Rico on Friday evening. Immediately following the 112-86 victory, the final 12-man roster was released.
The USA national Mens team's 12-man final roster! pic.twitter.com/W5l83qmFnf
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2014
Among the biggest surprises was the fact that Damian Lillard was cut from the team in lieu of Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. In addition to that, players from the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors combine to make up one third of the final roster. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry made it for Golden State while DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay earned roster spots for the Kings.
Gordon Hayward, Chandler Parsons and Kyle Korver were the other three players cut by head coach Mike Krzyzewski and Co.
Coach K was in need of keeping some bigs, so that’s likely the reason four centers made up the final roster. He could also be looking ahead to a potential gold medal matchup with Spain, who boast big men Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka
Team USA will travel to Spain before taking on Slovenia in one last exhibition game next Tuesday. The 2014 FIBA World Cup begins August 30th.
Photo: USA Today