US trims roster to 13 by cutting Green, McGee

NEW YORK (AP)—The United States reduced its roster to 13 players Sunday, cutting Jeff Green(notes) and JaVale McGee(notes).

USA Basketball made the moves before it beat France 86-55 in an warm-up game at Madison Square Garden. Cutting McGee leaves Tyson Chandler(notes) as the only true center on the American roster.

Neither Green nor McGee played in the U.S. practice against China on Saturday. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo then informed them of the decision Sunday morning.

“They were gracious, they understood, they appreciated the opportunity, and I don’t care how long you’ve been in the game, whenever you’re telling a player on any level that they’re not going to be with you—I hate to use the word cut — that’s still tough, but they handled it very well,” Colangelo said. “I told them in case something happens they may get a phone call.”

Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski previously had said they might bring all 15 to Europe. Instead, the Americans will travel with 13 when they leave Monday. They must cut one more before the world championships start Aug. 28 in Turkey.

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook and Minnesota forward Kevin Love played the fewest minutes Sunday, not entering until the fourth quarter. Love had missed a practice earlier this week with a calf injury.