Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has a decision that needs to made within a short period of time.
That choice is whether or not to be a part of the Team USA squad that will compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup beginning next month in China.
With news of Bradley Beal’s decision to withdraw from Team USA for this summer, the Gregg Popovich-coached group is still waiting on decisions from Damian Lillard and Kevin Love, sources said
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) July 22, 2019
The 30-year-old Love, whose 31st birthday on Sept. 7 takes place during the World Cup, hasn’t given a definitive answer about whether or not he’ll play. Last month, one report had indicated that he’d likely be joining the squad, though Love wasn’t quoted directly regarding his status.
If Love did play, it would offer him another opportunity to win a gold medal, having been a part of the 2010 team that won the FIBA title. At that time, he was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Two years later, Love was also part of the United States team that won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in London.
The World Cup takes place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15, with teams from around the globe taking part. Team USA is the two-time defending champion, having also captured the 2014 competition.
Last week, Love’s teammate Tristan Thompson had indicated that he wouldn’t compete for his home country of Canada. However, another teammate, Cedi Osman, will take part by playing for Turkey, while center Ante Zizic’s plan to play for the Croatian national team failed when it was unable to qualify.
