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The Sacramento Kings were already going to be represented at the FIBA World Cup by Harrison Barnes, but it seems likely he’s going to have some teammates to keep him company. De’Aaron Fox was promoted to the main squad earlier this week, which doesn’t guarantee him an eventual roster spot but was a nice vote of confidence. Since then he’s been turning heads, impressing coaches, and impressing teammates. Now it sounds like Marvin Bagley III is impressing as well, and could end up being invited to join the national team for the next stage of training camp.
Marc Stein reports that Fox seems likely to make the Team USA roster:
No official announcement yet, of course, but go ahead and put Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox's name on the Team USA roster for China. Consistently standing out and making the right decision every time the media is in allowed in the gym here in Vegas ...
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 7, 2019
Kemba Walker praising Fox:
Coach Gregg Popovich discussing De’Aaron Fox’s speed and ability:
USA Basketball coach Gregg Popovich talks about what he saw in Kings PG De'Aaron Fox to bring him to the national team and the playing style he wants to play with.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) August 7, 2019
FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/LrhQatpBHk pic.twitter.com/a1BEVKIjkt
Stein reports that Bagley is likely to be invited to join the national team in Los Angeles next week:
As @USABasketball prepares for its fourth day of practice in Las Vegas, I'm told Sacramento's Marvin Bagley and San Antonio's Derrick White have emerged as the strongest of contenders to be included in the roughly 15-man contingent expected to proceed to Los Angeles next week
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 8, 2019
Regardless of whether or not Bagley and/or Fox end up on the national team roster, Kings fans should be thrilled with these reports. The success of the Kings over the next several years rests heavily on the development of Fox and Bagley, and it’s wonderful to hear this kind of praise from people outside the Kings organization.