Los Angeles (AFP)

Sacramento Kings' back-to-back De'Aaron Fox will not compete in the World Cup in China (Aug. 31-Sept. 15), USA Basketball announced on Saturday that the slaughter continues for less than two weeks. to begin the defense of its world crown.

Fox has not, for the moment, not yet detailed the reasons for his loss. But according to Yahoo Sports, still knowledgeable about US basketball, the player prefers to focus on the upcoming NBA season that starts in October.

The 21-year-old 1-2, who clocked 14.6 points and averaged 5.9 assists per game with his franchise over his first two NBA seasons, had joined the US pre-selection earlier this month to make up for the losses. lack of "Team USA" on the back lines.

Already facing a shortage of player outside, the selection led by the legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has lost, with the Fox package, a new element to organize his game in China.

This week, the United States had had to record Toronto raptors leader Kyle Lowry, left-thumbed, and Houston Pjt. PJ Tucker inside, shot in ankle.

They are added to the long list of leading NBA players who will not defend the colors of their country in China. In recent weeks, Lebron James and Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Stephen Curry (Golden State), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), James Harden (Houston), Damian Lillard (Portland), DeMar Derozan (San Antonio) or the sensational rookie Zion Williamson (New Orleans) announced their withdrawal.

These cascading packages, and this seems to be also the case for Fox, are explained for the most part by a desire to prepare for the upcoming NBA season, which looks more than ever uncertain after the disruption of many staff this summer.

As the USA fly to Australia on August 19 for a series of preparation matches, Popovich has only 13 players left. He will have to bring 12 for the World Cup.

Friday, however deprived of the back of Boston Celtics Marcus Smart, who suffers from the calf, the Americans nevertheless disposed of Spain (90-81), in preparation match in Anaheim (California).

© 2019 AFP