Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com: Damian Lillard is not out of the loop completely when it comes to his summer involvement with Team USA and FIBA World Cup competition in Spain. Prior to being left off of the final 12-man roster last week, the Portland Trail Blazers’ All-Star point guard was informed that there could be a possibility he’d be added to the roster if one of their players, in particular Derrick Rose who has been dealing with knee soreness, were unable or opted not to continue the journey, a league source told CSNNW.com. “He’s the player on deck,” we’re told. Lillard expressed to Jerry Colangelo, director of USA Basketball, his desire to be a part of Team USA in Spain and said he would rejoin the team if his services are indeed needed, the source said. “It’s something we did discuss with Damian,” Colangelo confirmed to CSNNW.com via telephone. “We’ll see what happens.”

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle: There are Rockets players all over the World Cup rosters, but Motiejunas’ play for Lithuania might be the most relevant to the Rockets’ plans. He still seems likely to be with the Rockets’ second unit. They are not expecting him to fill the role they hoped to give Chris Bosh. But on a team with questionable depth, Motiejunas will have a chance to give the Rockets’ second team the low post scoring and defensive rebounding he gave their summer league team. Motiejunas averaged 16.8 points and 8.1 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game in Las Vegas. He made 59.3 percent of his shots, most with a mix of low-post moves, but with 38.5 percent shooting on his 3s. That was against the usual summer league rosters of prospects and young players. Going into his third season, Motiejunas should be more advanced in his career and looked it. But beyond the numbers, he seemed more relaxed, less frantic. When he did not get his touches, especially in the early games, he was more patient, less desperate to prove himself.

Chris Kudialis of the Detroit Free Press: Two days before Team USA opens the FIBA World Cup against Finland, Pistons center Andre Drummond was an active participant in Thursday’s practice. Working on back-to-the-basket drills with assistant coach Monty Williams, Drummond spent the last 15 minutes of media-accessible practice time practicing individually with Team USA assistants. Recently turned 21, Drummond is Team USA’s youngest player on an inexperienced roster that includes eight first-time senior team participants. One of four Team USA centers along with New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins and Brooklyn’s Mason Plumlee, Drummond isn’t initially expected to see much playing time in Saturday’s opening game. But for Drummond, the chance to represent his country on the highest level international stage has so far been a “wild ride.” ... As for playing on the same team as division rivals Kyrie Irving of Cleveland and Derrick Rose of Chicago, among other NBA foes, Drummond says the adaptation wasn’t instantaneous but hasn’t been a problem. Above all, according to Drummond, the 12 men representing the U.S. all have one goal in common. “When you put on a Team USA jersey, all egos and NBA rivalries get thrown out the window. We’re here for one thing and that’s to win the gold medal,” he said.

John Reid of The Times-Picayune: Regardless of the risks, however, New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis said during a conference call on Thursday that he values his opportunity to participate. And Pelicans coach Monty Williams, who is an assistant on Team USA, obviously endorses Davis’ participation. "It’s such a cool thing for a basketball player," Williams said. "A number of our guys talk about they couldn’t get this kind of preparation back at home, even if they were in L.A., Chicago or Houston, where a lot of guys go play and work out. I think that’s one of the reasons why you are seeing him and other guys improving on the fly. I think all of the guys here would agree that this atmosphere allows you to get better by listening to different coaches and different people that teach the game. There’s been a few days where I hadn’t worked with Anthony at all and allowed him to work with other coaches just so he can learn something different and get a break for me."

Steven Loung of Sportsnet.ca Do you think all of Canada’s big players—like Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett—will be there with you and the rest of the team next summer for the Olympic qualifying tournament? Cory Joseph: "I think so. I mean, I can’t predict the future but I’ve talked to them and I know they definitely like the idea and definitely want to play. But, again, I can’t predict the future and you never know what could happen." SN: On the topic of Wiggins, what are your thoughts on how that entire situation shook out this summer? Cory Joseph: "It’s a business. Teams are going to do what they feel is best for the organization and [Wiggins will] be fine. He’s a good a kid. He’s a good player, as everybody already knows. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, a good family and he’ll be fine no matter where he’s at."

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com: Jeff Green isn't known for delivering assists, but don't tell that to his alma mater, Georgetown, which is on the receiving end of a $1 million donation from Green towards the school's new athletic center. Green's seven-figure gift was announced by the university on Thursday. The Boston Celtics forward's gift will go towards the John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Center, named after the former Hoyas coach who also spent three seasons in the NBA with the Celtics. "I'm very fortunate to be in a position to give back to the university and to the program that has done so much for me," said Green who led the Hoyas to the Final Four in 2007 and was selected by Boston with the No. 5 pick that same year. Green left Georgetown early, but did return to finish his degree in English, with a minor in Theology, in 2012.