Fresh off winning a championship and signing a 5-year $82 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green will head to Team USA's minicamp in Las Vegas. Sam Amick of USA Today reports Green is planning on accepting the invite to join the USA Men's Basketball National Team.
On Team USA front, I'm told Draymond Green - he of 5-yr, $82 mil deal w/ Warriors- is planning on accepting invite for Vegas minicamp in Aug
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 22, 2015
In addition to Green, Warriors' Harrison Barnes was extended an invitation as well.
The minicamp will be held at UNLV from August 11-13 and feature two days of light non-contact training followed by an 'all-star' game. USAB managing director Jerry Colangelo stated that attendance is mandatory for those hoping to vie for a spot on the 12-man Olympic roster for Rio 2016.
Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook are virtual locks to make the team (assuming they are healthy and want to play). Thus, there are not a ton of spots remaining for the deep pool of invitees.
While Barnes is a long shot to make the 2016 Olympic squad, participating in USA Basketball's minicamp will be excellent exposure for the young forward. Klay Thompson represented USA at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and having his shooting prowess is perfect because of the shortened three-point arc. Meanwhile, Green's versatility and ability to defend all five positions would be an ideal asset in the international tournament, making him a darkhorse candidate.