Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love joined the growing list of withdrawals from USA Basketball’s FIBA World Cup roster, The Athletic reported Wednesday.
Love told The Athletic he called Team USA coach Gregg Popovich to inform him that he wasn’t going to play in the event that runs Aug. 31-Sept. 15 in Shanghai, China.
Love is the fifth player in three days to pull out. Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal and Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris withdrew Monday and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan pulled out Tuesday.
Others that pulled out are forward Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, guards James Harden and Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets, and guard CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Love, a five-time All-Star, underwent toe surgery during the 2018-19 season played in just 22 games. He averaged 17.0 points and 10.9 rebounds.
Also, Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is still hoping to participate despite recent thumb surgery.
Training camp begins Aug. 5 in Las Vegas, and the official 12-man roster is slated to be announced on Aug. 17. Team USA plays its first game on Sept. 1 against the Czech Republic.
–Field Level Media
