In a late night array of tweets, Marc Stein of ESPN.com revealed what is the first of four expected cuts from Team USA as they prepare for the 2014 FIBA World Cup: Utah Jazz wing Gordon Hayward.
ESPN sources say Utah's Gordon Hayward is the first of four players Team USA must leave behind Saturday to have already learned his fate
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 23, 2014
With the cuts expected to be announced sometime Saturday, Stein hinted at Hayward asking about his Team USA fate prior to the official announcement from Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Hayward would've been informed by Saturday. But I'm told he asked about his status directly this week when signs pointed to not making team
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 23, 2014
With Team USA participating in three exhibition games within the last two weeks against Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, Hayward was one of the players who received little playing time in all three contests. This likely set the precedent for a cut that would come before the team headed to Spain to kick off the World Cup.
There was always an outside shot of Hayward making the final roster. With Paul George (IND, injury) and Kevin Durant (OKC, personal issues) out of the equation, Hayward’s chances jumped significantly, but it looks like Coach K and company are going elsewhere with the spot, likely going with Chandler Parsons (DAL) or Kyle Korver (ATL) as reserve small forward behind James Harden (HOU).
With Hayward out, there are three more cuts to be made. Other names on the roster bubble are Damian Lillard (POR), Andre Drummond (DET), DeMarcus Cousins (SAC), and Miles Plumlee (BK).