The interesting angle: This opportunity gives the Washington Wizards speedy point guard a potential leg up on making the 2016 Olympic team.
The potential international buzz kill: Notable basketball decision-makers are looking at a 23-and-under roster format for future Olympic games.
Before we look ahead, let’s focus on the present – and the present that comes with the invitation, which multiple outlets have reported. Instead of spending a second straight summer time playing in loosey-goosey charity games, Wall should be battling the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook during intense scrimmages.
Actually there was no fear of another summer fun circuit – “Nah, I’m cool on that, ” Wall said the day after the season finale win over the Heat. “I’m done. It’s just workouts. I ain’t having none, that was just because of the lockout it was too much time.”
Earlier that week, I asked Wall if he was going to attend any NBA playoff games in person and which point guards the maturing floor leader would study during the off-season. Seeing as he intended on doing the bi-coastal thing between D.C. and Los Angeles, Wall said he would hope to catch Paul and the Clippers in addition to the Lakers, who could face Westbrook and the Thunder in the second round.
Now Wall might get some hands-on lessons from those All-Stars.
Team USA will train in Las Vegas July 6-11. After an exhibition against the Dominican Republic on July 12, the U.S. team will move operations to Washington for two days worth of practices before hosting Brazil in an exhibition game on July 16.
But what about future U.S editions?