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Team USA rolled Croatia today 106-78 behind 14 points from Kevin Durant and 12 from Russell Westbrook, who also added four assists. I recapped the whole thing at CBS Sports, but there’s definitely nothing to be depressed about for the Americans. KD looked great, Westbrook was solid and the team was focused. And of course, Russell Westbrook showed off the turbo button a bit with this flash to the basket.

Video Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Team USA

By now you’ve probably heard that Rajon Rondo was cut/removed his name due to family matters. (Heh, family matters.) And if you’re sharp and on the ball, by Rondo being cut, that means that both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are on Team USA’s final 12-man roster that will be competing in Turkey next week.

Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty

Westbrook made an extremely strong case for himself in Team USA’s last two scrimmages, showcasing his hustle, athleticism and knack for heady plays. The indication is, by the way Coach K used him against Spain is that Westbrook will be used as a defensive stopper against the crafty guards from both Spain and Greece.

Most thought the final spot would come down between Stephen Curry and Eric Gordon, with Westbrook possibly getting the axe because the U.S. didn’t likely want to point guards that weren’t great shooters. Rondo, who started every exhibition before getting a DNP against Spain, was thought to be a lock. But honestly, Westbrook just outperformed Rondo. Some saw indifference in Rondo while he was on the floor, while Westbrook was as active and hungry as he always is.

One thing that I think is great about Westbrook’s emergence on Team USA, is that Thunder fans are getting a good look at Russ’s ability next to his peers. When you watch Derrick Rose, Rondo, Chauncey Billups, Curry and Westbrook all rotating in and out, there’s not any dropoff when Russ runs the show. Plus, when you watch a guy like Rose defend and then see Westbrook check the same guy, you can kind of appreciate Westbrook’s defense a bit more as well.

As far as rotations and how much playing time Westbrook will see, I’m guessing not a ton. He’ll like be the third point guard behind Rose and Billups but could be the second option if Billups plays primarily off the ball. Heck, Westbrook has seen a good chunk of time at the 2, so he might be ahead of Curry and Gordon there as well.

In any event, two Thunder players are on the U.S. roster, which will make the World Championships that much more interesting for OKC fans.

Commentary, News Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Team USA

He was always on the bubble, but even with all the big man injury issues, it looks like Jeff Green won’t be making the final 12-man roster for Team USA.

Green didn’t play at all in today’s scrimmage against China and as Chris Sheridan of ESPN reported, didn’t make himself available to the media and also didn’t appear to feature his normally outgoing personality.

When Green was asked by Chris Tomasson of Fanhouse where he stood, he said, “Ask coach. I’m not the guy to answer that question.” Green also said that he’d be willing to travel to Turkey even if he’s not one of the final 12.

One underrated thing behind this is that this could be a nice kick in the pants for Green and extra motivation going into a pretty significant year for him. On a squad that is desperate for a big man and inside help, Green couldn’t make the cut. Now that’s saying something. Read more…

Commentary, News Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, Team USA

Team USA announced its 15-man roster that will head to training camp in New York August 10-16 and among the 15 were Thunder players Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook.

Westbrook and Durant really were never in doubt for this first cut, but Green may have been a bubble guy. Coach K said of Green, “It’s one of the reasons he’s still one of the 15 is because of his versatility.” Team USA has been hit with a ton of misfortune on the inside with Amar’e Stoudemire having to leave because of insurance issues, Robin Lopez because of a bad back, David Lee because of a broken finger and even Brook Lopez is battling mono. So Green’s ability to flex between positions surely helped.

Oklahoma City has more players on the team than anyone else and Coach K was extremely complimentary of the group saying, “They are the kind of guys that work hard, want to win and just have great attitudes.”

Jerry Colangelo indicated that they may take more than 12 after the New York training camp and use some extra time to narrow down the final 12. He also said that as of right now, probably eight or nine guys are locks.

News Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Team USA

Chris Sheridan wrote a pretty fantastic piece about KD being the face of USA basketball this year. It highlights Durant’s team first mentality, his humbleness, but also his drive to win gold.

AP Photo/Isaac Brekken

Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski calls him the only player guaranteed to make the final cut. USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo says he will be the face of the American team throughout the summer of 2010.

Kevin Durant is having none of it. At least, so he claims.

“I doubt I’m the next face; I’m just another guy helping to bring a gold back to the U.S. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” Durant said on what turned out to be a rough first day of minicamp for Team USA.

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“I can’t do the same here as I did for Oklahoma City,” he said. “Got to tone it down a little more, sacrifice a little bit more, but I’m willing to do that. I can’t wait to do that and be a leader. There wasn’t one guy on that last team that was the same as he was on his NBA team. Kobe wasn’t. LeBron wasn’t. D-Wade. Everybody changed, and I’m happy to be a part of the same thing here.

“Hopefully it works out and I make the team.”

This whole experience is going to make KD a better player. He’s already a team player and selfishness has never been an issue, but KD is the de facto leader of this squad. He’s figured out how to just sort of fit in with the Thunder and lead by being the best player on the team, but with Team USA, players are going to be looking to him to hit the big shot. He’s going to be playing outside of his comfort zone and he’s going to have to adapt. Nobody comes back from international play a worse player, so the fact Durant is so committed is only going to be a good thing.

Commentary Kevin Durant, Team USA