Joe Harris could snag a roster spot on Team USA for the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the Brooklyn Nets guard was jacked up at the start of camp.
Team USA isn’t bringing the star-studded lineup that it usually does to international competition. However, James Harden, Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, and a number of other stars dropping out has opened the door for guys like Joe Harris.
The Brooklyn Nets shooting guard was recently called up from the USA Select Team to the main roster for training camp. His first team meeting with head coach Gregg Popovich had Harris and his teammates itching to get on the court.
“Shoot, from the get-go, I think everybody was ready to play a game or run through a brick wall for him after that talk,” Brooklyn guard Joe Harris said via the Associated Press.
Harris could find himself on the final roster that heads to China at the end of August. He can do one thing better than any other player in training camp: shoot. The Nets guard led the NBA with a 47.4% three-point percentage last season. But that number doesn’t even contextualize what he can do for Team USA this summer.
He doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands to be effective. So long as he’s finding the open space on the perimeter, he’ll be dangerous as a catch-and-shoot threat. As a matter of fact, he shot 48% on catch-and-shoot opportunities during the 2018-19 season.
Team USA will feature a bunch of ball-dominant players like Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and Khris Middleton. In terms of floor spacing, Harris can help clear out the lane for those guys.
For what it’s worth, Popovich isn’t the type to overlook Harris’ skill set. Expect the Brooklyn Nets shooting guard to have every opportunity to make the final squad for the World Cup.
