John Wall says he wasn't given a fair shot at making Team USA roster

On Saturday, John Wall hosted a "Back2School" charity event in Washington, D.C. for kids where he gave them free backpacks, t-shirts, and school supplies. He also spoke with CSN Washington's Ben Standig about being cut from the USA Basketball men's national team Monday.

When Standig asked him if he had a fair shot to make the roster, Wall said no.

Nah, I don’t think so, but it’s a part of the game. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to be there and represent my country. I wish them the best of luck and hope they can win gold.

He also added this:

"I’ve been (around) for four years in a row. I think that’s enough time," Wall said. "Everybody had the same fair amount of time as far as being (in Las Vegas) and playing. I think [Team USA] already had kind of in their mind what they wanted to do and what decisions they were going (to make)."

This isn't a surprise to me. There are a number of other point guards on the World Cup roster, like Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard, in addition to other players who decided to sit out the World Cup like Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Russell Westbrook. All of these players have proven themselves to be better perimeter shooters than Wall over the course of their careers, though Wall's still improving in that area of course.

Wall's invitation was delayed in part due to knee treatment, but even then, this was going to be an uphill battle for him.

Now, is this cut motivation for him? It is, but don't take my word for it. Here's what Wall said:

"Yeah, definitely, always. You want to make every team you try out for. When you don’t, it’s more motivation for me. Not even (against) just those (Team USA point guards), but the NBA, period. I guess I’m overlooked again. I guess have to prove myself one more time."

I can't wait to see what he does to prove the critics wrong in 2014-15.