Howard to reportedly join Durant, Love at USA Basketball minicamp
Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is planning on attending the upcoming USA Basketball minicamp in Las Vegas, ESPN's Marc Stein reports. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love are among the injured players that were previously reported by Stein to attend.
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo has mandated any player that wants to compete for a spot in next summer's Olympics must attend the minicamp, even if they can't participate due to injury. Love is still recovering from a shoulder injury and will not be ready to play in next month's minicamp, while USA Today reported Durant will attend despite not being able to compete due to a foot injury.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Houston Rockets guard James Harden will also reportedly participate in next month's camp. The New York Post reported earlier this week that Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony would attend even though he's still recovering from a knee injury.
• MORE NBA:Becky Hammon's next job, Durant's impact on free agency
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard said on Saturday that he “probably” would not attend.
[daily_cut.NBA]“I did it the last few summers and last summer I didn’t make it,” Lillard told the Jody Mac Show on Saturday, according to Pro Basketball Talk. “I don’t know why I would go. After I got cut last summer, I don’t think I’m a part of it.”
The Warriors will have four players at the camp: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes, according to ESPN. Others players who will reportedly attend include Pistons center Andre Drummond, Blazers center Mason Plumlee, Wizards guard Bradley Beal, Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams and Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard.
USA Basketball's minicamp will take place from Aug. 11-13.
- Stanley Kay