With Team USA struggling in its build up to the Olympics in Tokyo paired with Bradley Beal and Kevin Love needing replaced on the roster, LaMelo Ball’s name has been whispered by some as a potential replacement following an impressive rookie season.
However, according to Charlotte Radio host Travis Hancock, Ball passed on the opportunity to take join the Select Team this summer in order to rehab his broken wrist that hampered him at the end of the regular season. That being said, Ball also noted that he had interest in playing for Team USA in the future as well.
Lamelo has interest in Team USA in the future. Said he passed on “what they asked him to do” this year to work on wrist strength. I assume that’s the select team he’s referring to.
Full interview Monday 8am on @wfnz
— Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) July 16, 2021
Ball returned from his wrist injury after five weeks out to play in the final 10 games of the season plus the play-in game. However, after the season, he admitted that the wrist still bothered him and impacted his play on the court.
Despite the calls from fans, Team USA circled back to Select Team roster member Keldon Johnson for one of the two roster spots open while also adding JaVale McGee.
For Ball, it could potentially have bene an opportunity missed in hindsight, but his health should remain the number one priority for him and the Hornets moving forward. A summer in wihch he can recover from his injury and improve could put him on the radar for not just the Select Team, but Team USA itself in the future.
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