Golden State Warriors: Good Things Ahead for Team USA Camp Invitees

In recognition of their amazing season, four Golden State Warriors have been invited to join the Team USA mini-camp. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Harrison Barnes will be hoping to put in a good performance to be in consideration for a future spot on Team USA during the 2016 Olympics.

ESPN sources say Golden State, meanwhile, expects to have four Team USA mini-camp attendees: S. Curry, K. Thompson, D. Green and H. Barnes
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 26, 2015

This can only be good news for the Warriors. While there are some concerns that the mini-camp could result in an injury for one of the key Warriors’ rotation players, historically, players who have attended the Team USA camps have returned as better players. It’s simple: pool together talented players and surround them with the best coaching in the world, and it’s unlikely that they’ll leave without improving.

More from Stephen Curry

Just look at the two Warriors who were on Team USA at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Curry and Thompson had good showings in Spain, and returned as much better players. Curry worked on improving his defense, while Klay returned as a much more complete player with better ball handling and dribbling.

Even the non-Warriors like DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis proceeded to have big seasons after spending a few months with Team USA.

Granted, the “post-Team USA” improvement isn’t necessarily guaranteed, especially for a mini-camp, but playing alongside other skilled players and some of the best coaches in the game will more than likely benefit the four Warriors.

June 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23), forward Harrison Barnes (40) and guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrate the 104-91 victory as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) walks by following game five of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The other good news is that Green and Barnes both have good shots at making the roster for the 2016 Olympics than some might be expecting. The international game is very different from the NBA, with a shorter three-point line, a bigger emphasis on floor-spacing big men, and less athleticism across the board. Coach Mike Krzyzewski has shown in the past that he isn’t afraid to play small at the big men spots.

Draymond Green is arguably the best small-ball power forward in the game (yes, you can argue LeBron James’ claim to the title), so he could be a good fit for Coach K at the four or five spot. Anthony Davis and Kevin Love are two big names that could contend for those two positions, but Green is the perfect balance between the two (better shooting than Davis, better defense than Love).

As for Barnes, his chances of making the roster are slimmer. With names like Paul George, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard in contention, Barnes might have to rely on one of the older guard to withdraw just to have a chance. Of course, even with LeBron and Carmelo withdrawing, Barnes will face an uphill battle to show that he is worthy of a spot. His best argument would be his fit alongside the rest of the Warriors, along with his athleticism. His sharpshooting at the corners would receive a boost due to the shorter line, and his flexibility with playing the four fits well with Coach K’s coaching philosophy.

May 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrate the 99-98 victory against the Houston Rockets following the second half in game two of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Curry and Klay both have good chances of making the roster, with the two near the top of their respective positions. The shooting guard position is quite weak now, with James Harden, DeMar DeRozan and Klay being the only three invited to the camp. While there are some that might point out the use of two point guards rather than the traditional point guard and shooting guard, Coach K could opt for a more traditional set-up to avoid the inevitable ball-handling squabbles that might occur.

The mini-camp will be held on August 11-13 in Las Vegas, and will resemble more of a reunion for veterans and a chance for the first-timers to familiarize themselves with their potential teammates rather than a full-on training camp.

Next: Revisiting Stephen Jackson's Warriors Career

More from Blue Man Hoop

Home/Stephen Curry