Did DeRozan book a spot on Team USA with a 6-for-9 shooting performance?
Nothing is guaranteed, but DeMar DeRozan saw extended playing time on Wednesday in the USA’s 105-62 victory over the Dominican Republic. In 23 minutes of play (second to Damian Lillard in court time), DeRozan scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, and chipped in with five rebounds and game-high six assists. His efforts, in part, can be seen below.
Currently, Team USA has 16 players on the roster, and rumors are that final cuts for the upcoming FIBA World Cup (starting Aug. 30) will be made by week’s end. DeRozan faces staunch competition at the wing, but his scoring ability suddenly becomes more valuable in the absence of Paul George and Kevin Durant. While DeMar doesn’t have the defensive and three-point shooting tools to excel as a role player, DeMar has the ability to drive and score the ball, which is somewhat of a rare commodity apart from the point guards on USA’s roster.
