LOS ANGELES — Clippers coach Tyronn Lu will join the coaching staff for USA Basketball, replacing Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams who stepped down because of family commitments, the men’s national team announced on Wednesday. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will serve as head coach.
“I am truly honored to represent our country and join this great group of coaches,” Lue said in a statement. “Coaching USA Basketball has always been a dream of mine, and I’m humbled to take on the challenge.”
Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat and Mark Few of Gonzaga are the other assistants on the staff.
“I am truly honored to represent our country and join this great group of coaches,” Lue said. “Coaching USA Basketball has always been a dream of mine, and I’m humbled to take on the challenge.”
The United States has not yet qualified for either this summer’s World Cup or the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Americans – who use mostly G League players in qualifying games, before filling the roster with NBA talent for the major tournaments – will look to clinch a World Cup berth during the sixth and final window of qualifying games for that tournament later this month.
If the Americans qualify for the World Cup — one win in either of their two qualifying games this month at Uruguay and at Brazil would clinch the spot, and there are other ways for them to get in as well – then they will play in the Philippines at the tournament that begins on Aug. 25. The Americans could then qualify for the Paris Games based on their World Cup finish.
The U.S. will try to win a fifth consecutive Olympic gold next year in Paris.
BRIAN SHAW STEPS IN
Lue was not feeling well and did not address reporters before the game, sending assistant coach Brian Shaw in to answer questions, first about facing the Dallas Mavericks with new addition Kryie Irving then about Lakers star Lebron James setting the NBA’s career scoring record.
Shaw did not attend James’ historic game…
Read the full article here
