Damian Lillard Reportedly Commits to Team USA for Tokyo Olympics
Damian Lillard could certainly use a summer full of rest following the most exhausting season of his nine-year NBA career. The five-week gap between the end of the Trail Blazers' season and start of USA Basketball training camp, though, is apparently enough of a break from the rigors of competitive basketball.
Lillard is one of the "initial commitments" to play for Team USA in this summer's Tokyo Olympics, Shams Sharania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported on Tuesday. Joining him on the American squad will be Golden State Warriors big man Draymond Green.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green are among the initial commitments to Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, sources tell The Athletic.
On June 7, just five days after Portland was eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, The Athletic reported that Lillard had a "strong interest" in suiting up for Team USA in Tokyo.
Lillard was one of 57 American-born NBA players announced in March as a finalist for the Olympic team. He's never played for USA Basketball in an official capacity, taking his name out of the running for the 2016 Olympic team a couple weeks before training camp. Lillard appeared in two exhibition games with Team USA during the 2014 USA National Team Tour, but didn't make the ensuing trip to Spain for the FIBA World Cup.
Expect Lillard to be guaranteed a starting spot for the Americans, who will be coached by Gregg Popovich. Steph Curry is reportedly "50-50" to play in Tokyo, potentially giving Team USA an absolutely devasting backcourt offensively.
USA Basketball training camp tips off on July 6 in Las Vegas, nine days before Lillard's 31st birthday. The basketball group stage of Olympic play begins on August 25, with the knockout round to follow on August 3.
[Shams Charania and Joe Vardon, The Athletic]