Also, the schedule overlap is mostly the fault of the WNBA and its schedule (adding two regular season games), which since the beginning was going to run up against the world cup. Everyone could see this coming for months, and I'm sure USA basketball was not only prepared, but were in regular touch with Thomas, B. Jones, Wilson, Gray, and Plum on their schedules and what made sense for both them and the team. [Worst case scenario for USA basketball would have been a Storm/Aces final, going to 5 games].
They are on their way to Sydney now. I 100% believe that Plum/Gray/Wilson will show up in Sydney in a much better place physically and mentally having had 3, yes, just 3, days to recover from a grueling season and playoffs. With a shorter roster, it also gives the 6 new players to the national team (Copper, Ionescu, Laney, Thomas, Jones, Austin) valuable experience and playing time that could very well help the team in the later rounds.