NBA: John Wall Not Sure Of Making Team USA Basketball Olympic Team

According to USA Basketball's Jerry Colangelo, if you wanted to be eligible for the 2016 Olympic team, you had to show up to last week's Team USA mini camp in Las Vegas. Wanting to make the team and confident that he should be part of the 12-man unit heading to Rio next summer, John Wall took part in the three-day event. However, Wall is a realist and although he enjoys being part of USA Basketball, he doesn't think he will be selected for the 2016 team.

If history is a guide, three point guards will be part of the 12-man roster. Barring the unforeseen, two of those spots are locked up. Paul was a member of the 2012 Olympic gold medal squad. Curry helped the US triumph at the 2014 World Cup and then led the Golden State Warriors to the NBA championship.


"Oh, yeah. Ten times out of 10 they'll be on the team," Wall said when presented with the premise during a discussion Saturday. He spoke with CSNwashington.com at his charitable foundation's back to school event for local kids in Washington.

Before the three PG factoid could be fully stated to Wall, he blurted out a name.

"Kyrie."

Irving also played on the 2014 team, not to mention at Duke for Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski. He's also currently a teammate in Cleveland with king maker LeBron James, who is another 2016 lock if wants in.

“I'll be out of the picture," said Wall through a laugh and without any noticeable trace of resentment.

"I'm just being honest," Wall continued. "Chris Paul has already won one (Olympic gold medal). Steph Curry had an amazing last year and just won the World Cup. Kyrie just won the World Cup. Russell will probably be on the team. They'll use him as a two-guard.

"So, I probably won't make it."

"It's tough, but I've been overlooked my whole career. I'm used to it. Just more motivation and fuel to my fire," Wall said. "Going into this year, (USA Basketball) is an opportunity, but my main goal is focusing on the Washington Wizards."

Wall didn't mention Derrick Rose in his coversation with Standing, who according to Colangelo has a legitimate shot at making the 2016 team. But Wall is right, with other point guards like Paul, Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving in the running, he is more than likely going to be left off the roster.

You have to hand it to Wall. He seems to be taking this expected slight quite well. Instead of moping or complaining, Wall is going to use this as motivation next season. And you never know, an injury or a monster season from Wall could open up a spot for him on Team USA. But if that doesn't happen, it sounds like he won't be that upset.