The reversal wins and Turkey

The U.S. men's basketball team completely lost in the rhythm of Turkey, in the first half, the Turkish 7 minutes in the first quarter had 6 rebounds, pelican his teammates heavy eyebrows Davis is underperforming half only 1 point 1 backboard 1 block, Turkey also with 40-35 lead into halftime.But in the second half, suddenly sped up the rhythm, the United States team hit rush to dunk.In the end, the United States to a 98-77 reverse success.

The match, zakaria 11 bomb under 22 points and eight rebounds in 14 shots 3 steals, harden 14 points 7 assists, heavy eyebrows outbreak scored 19 points and 6 rebounds in the second half.O the Turkish accounted for 6 points and eight rebounds.

Rose: knee problem will be asked for a whole year

The U.S. men's basketball team international ended after today's training, Derek Rose said in an interview that they would have been asked how was your knee problems.

According to a report by the ESPN reporter Marc Stein, Rose said: "I know these problems (knee) will be asked, and I this year will be asked, then I shouldn't feel tired."

After the us men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said, he won't continue to ask Ross felt about the knee.

August 31 in the morning, the United States will usher in a men's basketball team World Cup's first opponents Finland.In the game, Derek Rose will substitute at home.
Rose said: "I feel very good right now."In addition, he also compared 6 days 5 game schedule according to the schedule of the association of American universities.

Damian - Lillard lost the list of 12 people in the U.S. men's basketball

The U.S. men's basketball team last week announced a list of 12 people to participate in men's basketball team this year's World Cup, the Portland trail blazers guard Damian - Lillard eventually lost the list.

But CSNNW journalist Chris Haynes, a league source says, Mr Rudd has notified before losing, if a player can't make it, or take the initiative to quit the national team in the United States, so he may be levied.CSNNW get source said: "he is a man for the job."

Sources say, Lillard express to USA basketball chairman jerry colangelo has expressed his desire for the battle in the World Cup, said that if the team needs him, then he will rejoin the team.Colangelo in a phone call and CSNNW confirmed: "we did and Damian talked about this matter. We will look at the situation."

World Cup opening match will begin on August 30, 2014, local time, all teams must be submitted in 24 hours before the start of the final list. Colangelo all 12 players in the hope that the team listed in the final, but he is also in the case of look carefully all the players.

The Clippers, Doc Rivers agree to a contract extension

The Clippers announced on Wednesday that Rivers will be that leader for even longer than originally expected. Rivers and Ballmer agreed to a contract extension that will keep him around through at least the 2018-19 season. Ballmer called it one of his "top priorities" to make sure Rivers was in place as the long-term leader of the Clippers.

The clippers boss Steve ballmer said: "this is a big day. I am very happy and doug long-term cooperation, establish a champion of the court and off the court can bring effect culture. Doug is not only the alliance one of the best coaches and executive, he kept a symbol of the core, the clippers shows inputs and elastic characteristics and culture to win the game. Make sure that he led the team for a long time is one of my first goal."

Doc rivers said: "Steve showed a clear and resolute desire, is to the clippers become the best professional sports, one of the top and champions. We know that efforts to achieve this goal, but became my challenge, I appreciate the opportunity to work with Steve, we will continue to win the NBA championship goal."

Doc rivers in June last year to become the clippers coach, led the team won the history of the regular season last season's best record (57-25), and obtain the team the Pacific division champions for the second year in a row.June 16, rivers become the clippers vice President of basketball operations.

The Clippers traded their 2015 first round pick to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Rivers to become part of the Clippers' organization last summer. Rivers took over as the coach and team president, helping the Clippers win 57 games and get to the second round of the playoffs before losing to the Thunder. It was the most wins in Clippers' franchise history, which isn't exactly the richest history on the court. Rivers kept the team together during the Sterling scandal and helped them persevere through the first round before losing in the next.

It was the seventh straight winning season Rivers has coached. The previous six came with the Celtics, including a championship in 2007-08. He has a career record of 644-498 in the regular season and 70-64 in the postseason.

The timberwolves to rubio four-year, $43 million for the contract?

Espn writers Darren 1500, 46 (news) devoted to timberwolves had interviewed Sportando, during which he talked about the topic of Ricky rubio -, he revealed the timberwolves is seeking and rubio signing a contract extension.

According to Wolfson, rubio's agent, Dan fagan currently stuck in the four-year, $43 million on this quotation.

"Rubio is that such a level of the player's price, than the Atlanta hawks) charged with geoff Williamson - teague earn more - maybe he (she) is a better player, and the golden state warriors () the all-star guard Stephen curry are about the same price. But fagan is looking for a maximum contract for five years."Wolfson, in an interview, the truth.

Wolfson said such things will not happen, he says that could lead to rubio in become a restricted free agent next summer, so he thinks 2014-15 season will be very important for rubio.

Wolfson said in interviews and rubio's current value to timberwolves only willing to four years the price of $43 million, he also said he thought the timberwolves are willing to let the other team in the summer of next year to evaluate the price of rubio (other teams to bid rubio contract, timberwolves measure whether to match).

Beasley and heat may be the fate will end

According to the sun sentinel heat columnist Ira Winderman, Michael beasley in the days of the Miami heat do not seem to be too long.

Said one person familiar with the matter, the 2008 runner-up last season and didn't have any "critical point (flashpoint)", no "episode" off the court or the dressing room, so give up beasley not because these.On the contrary, the person mentioned beasley and in the heat than when they started two seasons mature many, like this week's Sports Illustrated (Sports Illustrated), beasley "is still the development league all-star level of player".However, as the heat signed parlour - deng as James left the starting small forward position, Danny granger may become the substitute, as a result, although there is still a chance, but the heat signed beasley may have very small.

Beasley has said before the end of last season that hope team consider themselves "will consider only from ability, from the perspective of basketball"."I have a lot of growth. Looking back I did some things before, I am not proud of things, but now I am mature, could be poised for a lot of situation. I need to continue to live... I don't like before then love social, this just because I have some trust issues. But my friend is not much, these are all out of my choice. I am now a person lives," beasley says, "I and a bunch of mosquitoes to suck my blood."

Previously, Miami announced new Sean - Williams, the new season will of Mr Beasley 8 shirt.

Beasley has averaged 15.1 minutes last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

LeBron James and Kevin Love wanted to be teammates

From the moment that the Cleveland Cavaliers won the draft lottery, there were rumors that they could swap the No. 1 pick for Kevin Love. The Cleveland general manager David Griffin told reporters that he'd be open to anything, but once Wiggins was selected, he said the team was not looking to move him. Things changed when the best player in the world entered the picture. LeBron James went home in free agency, and at some point during that process it became clear that he and Kevin Love wanted to be teammates. Wiggins signed his rookie contract on July 23, which started a one-month countdown until he could be moved.

CBSSports.com's Zach Harper has already examined what this deal means for both the Cavs and the Wolves on the court. Cleveland could be one of the best offensive teams in recent memory, while Minnesota can roll out some fun lineups, stay somewhat competitive and build for the future.

The Cleveland Cavaliers sent the last two No. 1 picks away in this deal, but now arguably have two of the five best players in the NBA in their frontcourt. Both they and the Timberwolves should be thrilled with how this went down, as Minnesota now has an abundance of young, athletic players with star potential along with a proven starting power forward. Considering Love made it clear he would have signed elsewhere in free agency next year, Timberwolves general manager Flip Saunders deserves lots of credit for getting this much back for him.

As for Philadelphia, this continues general manager Sam Hinkie's streak of acquiring first-round picks. The 26-year-old Young can be a free agent next summer, and he wasn't part of the Sixers' long-term plans. They'll see if they can get Shved to play like he has in international competition rather than like he did in Minnesota, and Mbah a Moute can either be flipped to a contender or stick around and mentor Joel Embiid -- the two Cameroonians have known each other since Embiid was 17 and they met at a basketball camp.

Team USA will make their final decisions, notify players on Saturday

When training camp began in July,Team USA Basketball wasn't expecting to have the indecision going into the exhibitions in New York that they currently have. Kevin Durant, Paul George, and possibly even Kevin Love were all going to be the leaders of this team in their quest for a gold medal in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. President of USA Basketball Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski were going to fill in the right role players around those stars and maybe even hope for Derrick Rose to look healthy enough to help lead the team.

After withdrawals and injuries,Team USA Basketball is now looking uncertain about its final selections heading into Friday night's exhibition against Puerto Rico. The locks for the team appear to be Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, James Harden, and Kenneth Faried. There is some concern about Rose's health, but his play in Friday's game should remove any doubt about whether or not he'll be healthy enough for the FIBA schedule in the next couple weeks. Colangelo and Coach K will allow the play in Friday's game to factor into their final decisions, huddle after the game with the entire coaching staff, and decide which 12 players they'll take to Spain. The players who get cut from the team will find out Saturday morning.Team USA will play five games in six days during group play.

From there, Klay Thompson and Mason Plumlee seem to be Coach K favorites, according to Marc Stein. DeMarcus Cousins, Chandler Parsons, and Kyle Korver could round out the 12-man roster with one spot up for grabs. Damian Lillard could be very necessary if Rose isn't 100 percent healthy. Team USA could also need Andre Drummond if they believe they need the extra size against someone like Spain. Rudy Gay was a late addition after the Paul George injury and has already played in a tournament like this when USA Basketball won the gold medal at the 2010 World Championships. Gordon Hayward and DeMar DeRozan are probably not going to make the team, but another strong showing for either could make that decision Friday night really tough on the decision-makers.

Derrick Rose will going to make roster

Derrick Rose also indicated that the decision to sit wasn't entirely his to make, suggesting the training staff along with assistant Team USA coach and Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau had something to do with it.

 The odds of Rose staying with the team are overwhelming. He's going to make roster, he won't pull out, and he'll be with the team. It just may be up to the other guards on the roster, particularly Stephen Curry, James Harden, and  Kyrie Irving, to cover in the event that he experiences any discomfort. The Bulls, and Rose, can't afford to risk anything. But Rose is simply too highly regarded by the staff, no matter the risk, to affect his position.

But despite Rose's ability to play Friday, and a widespread "This is nothing to worry about" sentiment, there are real roster concerns here. Rose was sore after weeks of practice and after an exhibition game. What happens when he has to play multiple games in a row, on short rest? "Well, then he'll sit" come the answer. But a. is it in the best interest of the team to leave itself short on depth, especially down low, in order to bring a player who's a superstar that has wowed the coaches in practice but may not be able to consistently go, and b. is it fair to the other players who have worked as hard as they have to earn a spot in which they can actually go, game by game?

But the reality is this: the coaching staff, from head coach Mike Krzyzewski, to Thibodeau, to assistant Jim Boeheim have all raved about Rose in practice. The big picture doesn't seem to be playing much part in this process. Damian Lillard has been a better overall player than Kyrie Irving the past two years, but Irving has looked better in practice and in the exibitions, so he's likely in. DeMarcus Cousins is the best overall big man outside of Anthony Davis that the team has, but the coaches simply don't like what he brings.

Friday night's not really the question. The immediate is never the concern with Rose. The long-term, the future, is always where things get dicey. The best situation, though, is that the team was trying to look at other players.

Kevin Durant getting over $300 million in his next shoe contract

The earlier rumors of Thunder star Kevin Durant getting over $300 million in his next shoe contract look to be a little over exaggerated, but not by much. Darren Rovell of ESPN.com is reporting Roc Nation Sports, the Oklahoma City Thunder super star's representation, has informed Nike that there is a deal on the table between Kevin Durant and Under Armour that is worth between $265 million and $285 million over the next 10 years. It also includes stock in the company and even a community center built in Kevin Durant's mother's name.

This is unprecedented territory for Under Armour. They signed Stephen Curry back in 2013, but grabbing Durant for this kind of money would shove them into the forefront of the basketball shoe business. Durant has become one of the biggest sellers for shoes and clothing under his time with Nike and becoming one of the best players in the NBA. Their marketing around him has been perfect as well.

Rovell also reports Nike has a chance to match that deal, which is in his current deal with Nike. Previously, Nike is reported to have offered Durant a deal that would pay him at least $20 million per year from ESPN.com.

For Under Armour, they're relatively new to the basketball shoe business and gain most of their profits from other sports. Rovell says they'll have to guarantee the money to Durant upfront, but Nike still has the chance to match it all and retain one of their top clients.

Boeheim said the Bulls offered a better team for Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony re-signed with the Knicks for a reported five-year, $124 million deal after meeting with the Bulls, Rockets, Mavericks and Lakers. At the time, he said the money wasn't important. Boeheim, Anthony's the former coach, has always been protective of Anthony, so his admitting that Anthony didn't make the best decision in terms of on-court success is a little surprising.

But Boeheim also said that assertion was fairly obvious. The Bulls offered a better team, the Knicks offered more money, control, the pull of playing in New York, and Jackson.

Boeheim defended Carmelo Anthony from criticism last year based on who was on the team. While Jackson and even first-year head coach Derek Fisher could be upgrades, it's hard to see the roster being significantly improved over last year. But then, that wasn't why Anthony chose New York. It was about a combination of factors, and the future.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are "optimistic" about signing free agent guard Ray Allen

According to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears, the Cleveland Cavaliers are "optimistic" about signing free agent guard Ray Allen before training camp begins. They've been linked to Allensince before LeBron James had decided to go home, and Allen's agent, Jim Tanner, has twice refuted reports that he's made his mind up to go to Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 39-year-old hasn't officially decided whether or not to return for his 19th season. If he does and though, he'd surely be comfortable with the Cavaliers. Ray Allen loved playing with James in Miami, and he'd be with ex-Heat teammates Mike Miller and James Jones. The three sharpshooters used to take a separate bus to the arena for early pregame shooting.

Cleveland reportedly has a commitment from free agent forward Shawn Marion, and Ray Allen would make the bench even stronger. The Cleveland Cavaliers will be challenged defensively, but their offense could be the most efficient we've seen in a long while. Just think about Ray Allen, Mike Miller and Kevin Love spreading the floor with the ball in James' hands. That's scary.

Team USA Won The Brazil

USA Basketball won't have Kevin Durant and Paul George and Kevin Love. They won't have Blake Griffin or Russell Westbrook either. LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard aren't going to play when the competition isn't happening in the Olympics. But Team USA is still full of great talent from the NBA and it was on display in Chicago.

Playing in front of their hometown crowd, Derrick Rose and Anthony Davis reminded us of the super-human ways in which they're capable of playing basketball. We've only seen 10 somewhat disappointing games from Derrick Rose since he tore his ACL in the 2012 playoffs, but his speed, quickness, strength, and incredible impact he's capable of having on a basketball game were all on display against Brazil.

Davis led all scorers with 20 points and was impossible for Brazil's NBA big men to keep up with. Nene, Tiago Splitter, and Anderson Varejao all found themselves trailing Davis running the floor at some point in the game. He was catching lobs, challenging shots inside, and he even knocked down a couple of midrange jumpers to show off his versatility. Davis' hustle and effort to dominate the game were on display in the fourth quarter as he went diving out of bounds and into the stands on the sideline to save a ball.

Splitter, Nene, and point guard Marcelo Huertas showed their ability to stick in games and match elite talent for long stretches as they helped Brazil fight back and make it a close game during the second quarter and again in the second half. They were able to answer the runs by Team USA, but eventually the style of play proved to be too much for Brazil.

James Harden added 18 points for Team USA and Stephen Curry put on a shooting display early in the first quarter. We were also treated to Kenneth Faried's relentless hustle on the boards early on as he helped boost an early lead for Team USA that quickly got to double digits.

Next up for USA Basketball is a couple of exhibition games at Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 20 and August 22. They'll play the Dominican Republic team and then Puerto Rico, as they decide on a final 12-man roster.

Paul George met with the media

Indiana Pacers star  Paul George met with the media Friday for the first time since his devastating leg injury in the Team USA scrimmage two weeks ago.

In a press conference, Paul George arrived on crutches after undergoing surgery the night of the injury, in which a titanium rod and multiple pins were inserted to stabilize the compound fracture in his right leg. George told reporters that there is "no timeline" for his return.

Paul George described the pain of the injury as if his leg were "set on fire" with gasoline, and that he was in total shock when the injury occurred.

"When I looked down and saw the bone," George said, "I knew it was so bad. I had felt pain before, and this was a pain that I had not felt."

George addressed criticism for Team USA in light of the injury, calling it a "freak accident" and labeling the criticism as "unfair." Following the injury a wider discussion of NBA player involvement, spearheaded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban erupted, focused on whether players should be risking significant injury which can impact their NBA  livelihood given that neither they nor the NBA are compensated for their efforts.

The All-Star forward also said that he's definitely open to playing basketball in Brazil in 2016 for Team USA, and that he starts rehab on his knee as early as next week.

Rose: George's injured didn't scare me

The U.S. men's basketball team in Chicago to regroup, before starting the basketball World Cup second round training.

While in the United States on August 2, the team saw Paul George test horror injury, but Rose have not heart of retreat.

Rose said in an interview: "I'm not afraid, I have faith, I know that I will not have a problem. I know a whole two summers I have been efforts, also you can add two seasons, I came back to my position now. Every day in the effort to go forward, and to maintain a positive attitude, diligently do everything I ever did. Stretching, every day and Jen Swanson (bulls training performance director) to meet and talk, be sure to clear the obstacle in the brain before playing."

"I'm doing anything follow the requirements from the coach K and they want me to do, so I think everything will be according to what I mean."

When asked about George's injured again, Rose replied: "I hope such things don't happen to anyone, the only thing which we can do is pray for him. In the season, when all the match is in progress, I will contact him as much as possible, and let him know that I think of him."

NBA extending All-Star break to 8 days

It was a big news and that is an absolutely good news for the fans. A few weeks ago, there was a report that the NBA was considering making the All-Star break longer. They've gone ahead and done that, according to multiple reports.

Adam Silver has said that the players have asked him about making the mid-February break a bit longer, and he's clearly listened to them. It's a logical move in a long season, even if it means a few more back-to-backs during the year.

All-Star weekend will be in New York City this coming season, with the  New York Knicks and  Brooklyn Nets hosting the festivities.

Donald Sterling is officially out as owner of the Los Angeles Clippers

Donald Sterling is officially out as owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, ending a nearly four-month effort to oust him after racially insensitive comments were made public.

The sale of the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion closed Tuesday, the NBA announced in a news release. The purchase agreement closed after a California court issued a written order affirming that Sterling's wife, Shelly, has the legal authority to sell the team on behalf of the Sterling Family Trust, the league announced.

The $2 billion sale price is by far the highest in NBA history, and the sale marks the end of an emotional, combative showdown between Donald Sterling, his fellow owners and commissioner Adam Silver.

The NBA approved the sale of the team to Ballmer in May, and the Board of Governors ratified the deal electronically by a unanimous vote of 29-0 on Monday, a league source told CBSSports.com.

Clippers coach and president Doc Rivers, who has expressed doubt about whether he'd honor the two years left on his contract if Donald Sterling remained the owner, called it "an amazing new day in Clippers history."

Paul George will wear the number 13 shirt

According to ESPN, the pacers forward Paul George will replace his jersey number, he will abandon the 24th dress number 13.

Sources, said George in March this year prior to the deadline of union put forward in the application, and obtained the approval.

If the player in the same team according to the relevant provisions of the union in Numbers, he will have to be put on the market all the rest of the old number.But as a result of George is prior to the deadline to submit an application, so he doesn't need to do so.

Previously, George has been conducting hinted that he is going to change the jersey number to the fans.Last month, he tweeted Trece repeatedly mentioned the word.In Spanish, Trece is 13.

George had chose to wear no. 24 jerseys because kobe Bryant.

Earlier this month, George tournament experience severe fractures in his right leg in the United States men's basketball team.

NBA Kevin Love future contract

With roughly two weeks until the trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves can be completed, there is still lots of speculation about what could happen between now and then to prevent the trade from happening. The Wolves would be sending Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a 2015 first-round pick from Miami.

Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers can't agree to a deal next summer right now, especially with the trade not even being a done deal. There seems to be a lot of tiptoeing around league rules with LeBron James sort of discussing Love being on the Cavs during his "Welcome Home" rally in Akron, Ohio, on Friday night; the trade being virtually a done deal during this month long moratorium; and now the potential contract.

It's more than likely the  Minnesota Timberwolves  and Cleveland Cavaliers complete this trade on Aug. 23 and the league allows it to go through. But we've seen deals vetoed in the past for both trades (Chris Paul to the Lakers anyone?) and contracts (Joe Smith). Everyone will need to keep a tight lip for the next couple weeks.

Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay has been added to USA Basketbal Team

 Rudy Gay has been added to Team USA's roster, USA Basketball announced on Friday. Here's the official statement:

USA Basketball National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo today announced that 2010 USA World Championship Team gold medalist Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings) has been added to the 2014 USA National Team and 2014-16 USA National Team rosters. Sacramento Kings forward Gay and USA Basketball's 15 other National Team finalists will resume preparations for the 2014 FIBA​​ Basketball World Cup Aug. 14-16 with a training camp in Chicago.

After The thunder forward Kevin Durant's departure, the roster is back up to 16 players. Four will be cut before Team USA leaves for the FIBA​​ World Cup at the end of the month.

Gay will be not simply replace the MVP, and he won't necessarily be a part of the final 12-man team, but he gives USA Basketball another long, athletic player on the wing. There was suddenly a bit of a shortage of those after (two stars out) Durant pulled out and Paul George got hurt.

 If USA Basketball wants some scoring punch, he can certainly provide that, but Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski might prefer to have guys who won't use too many possessions that could instead go to Stephen Curry, James Harden and Derrick Rose. He'll be competing with Chandler Parsons, Gordon Hayward, Kyle Korver and ex-teammate DeMar DeRozan for a chance to represent his country in Spain. Of that group, he and Parsons are the only ones with enough size to shift over to the power forward position, something that both Durant and George were expected to do.

Gay averaged 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists after being traded from the Raptors to the Kings last December, shooting 48 percent from the field.

Kevin Durant won't play in FIBA​​ World Cup

Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant has pulled out of Team USA and will not  play in FIBA​​ World Cup, USA Basketball announced on Thursday.

"Kevin reached out to Coach K and expressed that he is just physically and mentally drained from the NBA season and his attention to his many responsibilities," USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said in a statement. "He tried to give it a go at our recent Las Vegas training camp but felt coming out of camp that he was not prepared to fulfill the commitment he made to the team. Coach K and I fully support Kevin. His well being is the most important thing to us and we support him taking the time to get ready for next season. He's been part of the National Team program for eight years and a big part of the success we have achieved, and we look forward to him being part of our success in the future as well ."

The announcement came completely out of left field to the public, but after his draining MVP season Kevin Durant doesn't feel like he can contribute to the best of his ability.

"This was an very difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country,"Kevin Durant said in a statement . "I know that I owe it to my USA Basketball teammates to be totally invested in the experience. After going through training camp with USAB, I realized I could not fulfill my responsibilities from both a time and energy standpoint. I need to take a step back and take some time away, both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the new NBA season. I will be rooting for USAB and look forward to future opportunities with them."

Losing the reigning MVP and the best player on the roster is awful news for Team USA. Without Paul George, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love, this still looked like a nearly unbeatable team. That is not necessarily the case anymore.

Durant was supposed to start at power forward. The logical question now: Could USA Basketball rethink the Love situation as a result of this? Colangelo says no, he has no plans to add the superstar forward before the team heads to Spain, per Yahoo Sports ' Marc Spears .

If Love's definitely out of the picture, you have to wonder if Paul Millsap could find his way back to the team. The stretch four was cut on Monday , but there's more of a need for him now than there was before. Otherwise, Team USA was already looking at using Chandler Parsons at power forward, and this has to help Kenneth Faried's chances of making the team, too.

There is no one on the current roster who can make up for Durant's absence on his own, but this does provide opportunities for several of them. Anthony Davis can start to establish himself as a true superstar, and guys like Derrick Rose and Stephen Curry will surely use up more possessions on offense. It also could complicate USA Basketball's decision on who of Parsons, Gordon Hayward, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Korver will be cut.