Kevin Love withdraws from 2014 USA Basketball National Team

Just one day after Blake Griffin officially withdrew from Team USA's 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup squad, another elite power forward followed suit, as Kevin Love informed USA Basketball Director Jerry Colangelo that because of his current status he will be unavailable to participate with the National Team this summer.

By his "status" one can assume Love means the ongoing trade talks that his current team, Minnesota, is having with a host of suitors, including the Warriors and the Cavaliers.  Perhaps Love does not want to risk injury with a trade likely to happen in the next month or two.

"The fact is we can only look to the players we have available. Our job is to get the job done with our very, very deep roster, and we're anxious to get things started," said Colangelo in a statement yesterday.

The loss of both Love and Griffin are significant because both are skilled veterans who can also rebound.  Love, in particular, is well suited to the FIBA-style game due to his excellent three-point range.  He also has an effective post-up game and jump hook down low on the block.

Under Colangelo, the U.S. squads have not placed much of a priority on big men, and thus far it has not burned them.  When injuries or foul trouble has hit the bigs, the USA has effectively countered with smaller, more skilled lineups featuring versatile wing players.

Nevertheless, with the loss of both Griffin and Love,  Team USA must now rely on DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Kenneth Faried, and Andre Drummond down low, assuming all four even make the team.  Of those four, only Davis and Cousins, are true "skill" guys capable of consistently getting their own shot.  As a result, Coach K might have to utilize Kevin Durant out of position at the 4 this summer, much as he did in 2010.

The U.S. team is scheduled to begin its 2014 preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup with a training camp July 28-Aug. 1 in Las Vegas. USA Basketball will utilize the Las Vegas training camp to identify players for this summer's USA World Cup Team.

Previously named 2014 USA National Team members who are expected to participate in the Las Vegas training camp include:  Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards); DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings); Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors); Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans); DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors); Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets);  Paul George (Indiana Pacers); James Harden (Houston Rockets); Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers); Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks); Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); Chandler Parsons (Dallas Mavericks);  Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors); and John Wall (Washington Wizards).

The 2014 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Cup, featuring a total of 24 national teams, is scheduled to be held Aug. 30-Sept. 14 in Spain.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services