Cam Johnson, Kessler commit to playing for U.S. in World Cup, a huge Olympic qualifier

By R.L. Bynum

Cam Johnson has gone from a tumultuous season to an offseason of uncertainty, but he’s not planning to sit around and see where his NBA career goes next.

Johnson, scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1, has committed to play for the United States in the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reported that former UNC center Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz also has committed to play for the team.

Joining him on that American team is Mikal Bridges. Both began the season with the Phoenix Suns and were traded to the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix. In addition, Johnson tore the meniscus in his right knee on Nov. 4 and didn’t return to the Suns’ lineup until Jan. 19.

The U.S. roster, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, is expected to also include Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, New Orleans Pelicans and former Duke forward Brandon Ingram, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis.

At 27, Johnson is the second-oldest on the roster after Portis, who is 28. Kessler and Edwards are the youngest at 21.

The World Cup is the primary qualifier for the Paris Olympics. The Americans’ opener is Aug. 26 against Greece, which will likely include Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, as they compete in Group B, which includes Jordan and New Zealand.

Johnson averaged 16.6 points and shot 37.2% from 3-point range in 25 games for Brooklyn last season after averaging 13.9 points and shooting 45.5% from outside the arc in 17 games for Phoenix.

The Philadelphia 76ers swept the Nets in the first round of the playoffs, with Johnson averaging 18.5 points per game and shooting 42.9% from 3-point range.

Among the teams that reportedly have interest in Johnson are the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets.

Kessler had a productive rookie season for the Jazz, averaging 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, shooting 72% from the floor and averaging 2.3 blocks. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting.