Marcus Smart (calf) out indefinitely for Team USA

Marcus Smart, participating along with 29 others in the Team USA training camp this week, is dealing with calf tightness, per Marc Stein of The New York Times.

Smart, playing with teammates Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, is vying for a position on the final 12-man roster as Team USA attempts to secure position for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. With many NBA stars dropping out of international play this season to focus on staying healthy for the upcoming 2019-20 campaign, Smart was given a unique opportunity to get a head start on building chemistry with new franchise player Kemba Walker while building on his relationship with Tatum and Brown.

Smart’s injury is seemingly minor, considering the fact that he’ll be re-evaluated next week. This would appear to hamper his chances of making the final roster that will travel overseas, but you never know. Gregg Popovich and the coaching staff might decide that with less talent than other World Cup teams in recent memory, this roster might need some winning plays.

Walker, Brown and Tatum will tip off their first game together for Team USA on Friday at 10PM EST.