Kemba relishes chance with Team USA: 'A lot of us are happy' about dropouts

There's been more chatter about who's missing from Team USA than talk about the players who are present, but that doesn't matter to Kemba Walker.

Numerous stars have withdrawn from the upcoming FIBA World Cup, giving players like the Boston Celtics guard a chance to represent the United States.

"This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of us," Walker told reporters Monday, according to Ben Gotz of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I think a lot of us are happy those guys pulled out because this is our chance.

"It's our chance to get on the big stage and showcase our talent. A chance for us to do something new. It'll be a new-look team. Everybody is kind of doubting us, but I think we're hungry."

While the withdrawals of USA Basketball's first choices leave the Americans more vulnerable than they have been in recent years, guard Donovan Mitchell believes that narrative will help fuel the national team.

"Obviously, we play with more of a chip (on our shoulders)," Mitchell said. "I think a lot of countries think they see an opening, so for us, we have to go out there and compete and get ready. We're going to get every team's best shot."

- With h/t to ESPN