Indiana Pacers star Danny Granger has secured a spot on the 2010 World Championship squad. The top NBA stars are taking the summer off, leaving roster spots to the future stars. The team is now down to twelve players, including 2007 North Central graduate and Indiana Mr. Basketball Eric Gordon.
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was the final cut—but it was announced he withdrew from the team to take care of things at home.
“Rajon came to us and said he was going to withdraw from the team, that he had some family matters to attend to and some things to take care of before the NBA season. He did an outstanding job during our training, we appreciate the effort and commitment he made to our program and he completely has our support,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Tuesday.
This provides both Granger and Gordon with a tremendous opportunity to play with some of the best in the league.
Gordon is making strides in the league, consistently improving each year. EJ averaged 17 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3 assists in his second year as a pro. Many media members and fans counted him out before the whole process got started. In the end, he shined and earned his spot onto Team USA.
The 6-3, 222 pound guard can add a lot on the team. First of all, he is a deadly shooter…and that’s what immediately catches your eye. He is a relentless, hard working player that puts the interest of the team first. Gordon is very quick and strong on the defensive end that will help against feisty world talent.
As for Granger, more games with some of the league’s best can only help his game. In the offseason, Granger isn’t around Indianapolis much. Instead, he chooses to work out and play pickup games with other players out west. Despite a minor pinky injury, Granger can only improve on and off the court from being around Team USA players.
The final 12 players for Team USA are as follows: Chauncey Billups, Tyson Chandler, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Love, Lamar Odom, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook.
Pool play begins on Saturday at noon.