FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: 5 Team USA players who have withdrawn from the tournament

#2 Damian Lillard

Lillard and McCollum have both turned down participating in the World Cup

Damian Lillard had a busy season this year, as the Portland Trail Blazers fought through the playoffs.

Lillard led the Blazers to the Western Conference Finals after beating the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets in the first two rounds. The Blazers beat the Thunder in a five-game series, where Lillard made one of the best clutch shots in recent history. He hit a 37-foot buzzer beater over Paul George to beat the Thunder 118-115, and ultimately knock them out of the playoffs. Then, Lillard and the Blazers beat the Nuggets in a seven-game series.

The Blazers reached the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Golden State Warriors. Portland's playoffs run came to an end as the Warriors swept the Blazers and went on to face the Raptors in the Finals.

Lillard led his team on an incredible (and possibly unexpected) run that put the league on notice. With that being said, it is no surprise that Lillard withdrew from Team USA.

When Lillard was in consideration for Team USA, some of the media anticipated his role with the team. Dan Devine wrote an article on the Ringer that discussed Lillard being Team USA's "Captain America" as other players were withdrawing for the team. The writer envisioned Lillard as the leader for the team as they prepare for the World Cup. However, Lillard, like his Blazers teammate CJ McCollum, withdrew from Team USA.

While both players would have helped USA, they can use this time to prepare for next season. The Blazers had a taste of success as they reached the Conference Finals and they'll likely want to do the same next season. The Western Conference is tougher, but the Blazers desire for success motivates them to get better. So, Lillard can use this time to work on his game and help the Blazers reach their goal.