Paul Millsap withdraws but Nuggets could still be represented on Team USA this summer

With big men from Anthony Davis to Kevin Love withdrawing their names from consideration for Team USA this summer ahead of the FIBA World Cup, Paul Millsap looked to be a favorite to land one of the 12 roster spots to represent his country at the tournament beginning Aug. 31 in China.

But Millsap has officially opted out of Team USA’s Aug. 5-9 training camp, which removes his name from consideration for this summer’s team. However, the Nuggets could still be represented on Team USA.

Nuggets center Mason Plumlee was named Thursday by USA Basketball as one of six players added to the USA National Team who will attend training camp and vye for a spot on Team USA. Team USA’s final roster for the World Cup will be determined after training camp concludes.

Plumlee has previous Team USA experience, playing on the 2014 gold-medal winning USA National Team at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Plumlee played in all nine games during the tournament and averaged 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 6.7 minutes per game as Team USA went a perfect 9-0.

The Nuggets will also be represented in China by All-NBA center Nikola Jokic, who’s expected to lead a strong Serbian team that could challenge Team USA for the gold medal. Serbia’s roster will also likely include current NBA players Boban Marjanovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nemanja Bjelica. Miroslav Raduljica, who had stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves throughout his pro career, and Milos Teodosic, who played two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2017-19 are also expected to play for Serbia.

Nuggets swingman Juancho Hernangomez is also expected to represent Spain at the tournament and point guard Jamal Murray, who just signed a five-year maximum extension worth around $170 million, was one of 29 players invited to attend Team Canada’s training camp beginning Aug. 4.

Team USA opens tournament play Sep. 1 against the Czech Republic.