CJ McCollum has been invited to join the 2016 USA Select Team in Las Vegas this summer. The select team will practice against the National Team July 18-21 to help prepare them for the Rio Olympics in August. McCollum is reportedly undecided about accepting the invitation.
Mike Richman of The Oregonian points out that the select team is not a guaranteed pipeline to a future National Team selection, but the experience is beneficial regardless:
There is obvious value in practicing with the Select Team as players get involvement with the highest level of USA Basketball. But it also serves as a showcase for younger NBA players, who may not necessarily be involved in future World Championship or Olympic Team consideration.
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving played for the Select Team before joining the U.S. National Team. But the Select Team has also regularly featured younger non-stars such as Jimmer Fredette, Shelvin Mack, Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith.
The full 25-man Select Team roster includes:
- Malcolm Brogdon (University of Virginia)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Detroit Pistons)
- Willie Cauley-Stein (Sacramento Kings)
- Kris Dunn (Providence College)
- Aaron Gordon(Orlando Magic)
- Jerami Grant (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Gary Harris (Denver Nuggets)
- Rodney Hood (Utah Jazz)
- Brandon Ingram (Duke University)
- Brice Johnson (University of North Carolina)
- Stanley Johnson (Detroit Pistons)
- Zach LaVine (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Doug McDermott (Chicago Bulls)
- Emmanuel Mudiay (Denver Nuggets)
- Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Jabari Parker (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Julius Randle (Los Angeles Lakers)
- D'Angelo Russell (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)
- Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
- Denzel Valentine (Michigan State University)
- Justise Winslow (Miami Heat)
- Cody Zeller (Charlotte Hornets)