NBA News Roundup, Saturday, August 17th: Joakim Noah to the Los Angeles Lakers, P.J. Tucker ruled out for Team USA and more

By Tristan Elliott

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT

Joakim Noah is being linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers

P.J. Tucker withdraws from Team USA due to an ankle injury

P.J. Tucker was expected to play a major role in Team USA's upcoming World Cup campaign

Team USA has endured a well-documented rocky build-up to its upcoming World Cup campaign, and ESPN is reporting that P.J. Tucker has become the latest talent to withdraw from consideration:

Tucker withdrew Friday, citing a minor left ankle issue. He has twisted the ankle twice in the last several days and decided the best move would be to let it fully heal before going to training camp with the Rockets next month.

Tucker's withdrawal leaves head coach Gregg Popovich with just 14 players as he prepares to take his team to Australia this weekend. Team USA will play three exhibition games before heading to China before the end of the month. Popovich will eventually need to narrow his side down to 12 players.