Zion Williamson SF

Williamson has withdrawn from the USA Basketball Select Team in advance of FIBA World Cup training camp, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

One of a number of big names stepping away from Team USA, Williamson will shift his focus toward preparing for his first NBA season after going No. 1 overall in June's draft. Williamson would've competed for a spot on Team USA's entry for the FIBA World Cup, but the event pales in comparison to the 2020 Olympics, when the United States typically sends its top assemblage of talent. Even after backing out on FIBA training camp, it's certainly possible Williamson's name will be in the mix next summer when Team USA selects its Olympic roster.

Williamson has been diagnosed with a bruised left knee and will not play in the remainder of summer league.

There is no indication that the injury is serious or will limit the rookie's availability for training camp. But the Pelicans will, understandably, exercise extreme caution with Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Williamson will not play in the second half of Friday's Las Vegas Summer League contest against the Knicks after taking a knee-to-knee hit during the first half.

The Pelicans have no reason not to be extremely cautious with Williamson during Summer League, so holding him out for the second half doesn't indicate that the injury is anything serious. The team doesn't expect the issue to linger, but Williamson could still sit for the rest of Summer League, as the Pelicans clearly know what he can bring to the team already.

Williamson was selected by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

A no-brainer pick for New Orleans, Williamson will enter the NBA as one of the most-hyped prospects in recent memory -- perhaps going as far back as LeBron James in 2003. The Duke one-and-done, who averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 33 collegiate games -- will be the centerpiece as the Pelicans go through a mini-rebuild on the fly in the aftermath of trading Anthony Davis to the Lakers. Williamson is a virtual lock to start from Day 1, and he'll team with Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball to form one of the more intriguing young cores in the entire league.