When it came time for a pro coach again, the U.S. basketball team turned to the one considered the NBA's best.
Gregg Popovich, winner of five NBA championships, will have a chance to lead a team to Olympic gold.
The San Antonio Spurs coach was hired Friday to replace Mike Krzyzewski as the U.S. basketball coach following the 2016 Olympics, a job he never knew he would get despite his undeniable place in coaching history.
"I can't imagine having this opportunity," Popovich said at a press conference in San Antonio. "It's still sinking in ... but I love it."
Popovich will take over starting with 2017 training camp and lead the Americans into the 2019 Basketball World Cup and 2020 Olympics if they qualify.
Krzyzewski has led the Americans since 2005. When USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo decided to tab a pro coach, there was no question where to look (see full story).
Cavs: LeBron still not practicing
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- LeBron James has not been medically cleared to practice because of his back and he says it's not certain he will play in the season opener.
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James has not practiced since receiving an anti-inflammatory injection Oct. 13. He has been limited to shooting and individual drills. The Cavs open Tuesday night in Chicago, and James says he'll play if "everything goes right."
The four-time MVP said Friday he is listening to the team's medical staff and "not be hardheaded." James received a similar anti-inflammatory shot early last season.
General manager David Griffin expects James to play in the opener, but "if something happens and he doesn't, it's not going to be the end of the world."
James is entering his 13th NBA season and has logged nearly 44,000 minutes in the regular season during his career.
Knicks: Antetokounmpo, 4 others waived
NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks have waived forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo and four other players.
Guard Travis Trice and forwards Darion Atkins, DaJuan Summers and Wesley Saunders also were waived Friday, the day after the Knicks completed their preseason schedule.
They now have 14 players. NBA teams needed to be down to 15 by Monday night.
Antetokounmpo was drafted by the Knicks in the second round of the 2014 draft. The brother of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo played last season for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League. He appeared in three preseason games, recording four rebounds and two assists over 13 minutes.
Lakers: Holmes waived to cut roster down
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Lakers have waived forward Jonathan Holmes, trimming their roster to 16 players.
The Lakers also announced Friday that an MRI exam on guard Jordan Clarkson's injured shoulder shows no significant damage.
Holmes was an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas. His departure leaves the Lakers needing to make just one more roster cut before their season opener against Minnesota on Wednesday.
The competition for the final roster spot appears to be between veteran Metta World Peace and Jabari Brown.
Clarkson was hurt in Thursday's preseason finale against Golden State. He has a sore right shoulder, and the Lakers say they will be cautious with his recovery.
Clarkson averaged 11.9 points and 3.5 assists last season as a rookie for the Lakers.