By Marc Stein

ESPN.com

 

Sacramento's Mike Bibby is the latest original member of Team USA to surrender his Olympic spot, ESPN.com has learned.

 

 

Sources also told ESPN.com that the need for a point guard to replace Bibby makes Miami rookie Dwyane Wade a more likely addition to the roster than Denver's Carmelo Anthony.

 

 

Bibby had been considered on the fence by USA Basketball for weeks, but sources say the selection committee has formally moved on in hopes of securing commitments from four players to fill out the roster.

 

 

Six replacements have already been chosen to join Duncan and Iverson: Cleveland's LeBron James, New York's Stephon Marbury, New Jersey's Richard Jefferson, Detroit's Ben Wallace and the Phoenix duo of Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire.

 

 

Marbury is the only recognized point guard in that group. Although James and Iverson are also capable of handling the ball, Wade's odds of earning an 11th-hour invitation have thus increased, especially with USAB's emphasis on youth in the wake of losing so many veterans.

 

 

Wade isn't a lock, though, because he's more of a combo guard than a pure point. Minnesota's Sam Cassell would have been a more obvious choice to replace Bibby, after his first All-Star season, but Cassell is expected to undergo hip surgery after hip and back ailments severely limited his participation in the Western Conference finals. New Orleans' Baron Davis and Denver's Andre Miller have yet to be mentioned as possibilities after both struggled on the American squad that finished an embarrassing sixth at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis.

 

 

Milwaukee's Michael Redd and Detroit's Rip Hamilton -- both excellent perimeter shooters -- are stronger contenders than Wade for a roster berth, sources said, after Team USA coach Admin Brown announced that he hopes to have a proven "zone buster" or two at his disposal.

 

 

In Anthony's case, sources added, the selection committee is interested but isn't sure how much playing time would be left for him with James, Jefferson and Marion essentially playing the same position.

 

 

Bibby, Orlando's Tracy McGrady, Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal and the L.A. Lakers' Karl Malone are "core" members of the original roster who have formally pulled out in recent days for various reasons, be it injury or security fears or simply a desire for offseason rest.

 

 

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant, New Jersey's Jason Kidd and Seattle's Ray Allen were earlier withdrawals from the core group, which was assembled during the 2002-03 season in hopes of the group establishing some continuity before heading to Athens.

 

 

The Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal, Minnesota's Kevin Garnett, Toronto's Vince Carter, New Jersey's Kenyon Martin and the L.A. Clippers' Elton Brand have also declined invitations, with reasons for pullouts or unavailability ranging from injuries (Kidd and Brand) to forthcoming weddings (Garnett and Carter) to childbirth (Allen) to the likelihood that Bryant will have court commitments in Colorado this summer.

 

 

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Also, click here to send a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.

 

i know it was mentioned in the sentinel article earlier today but that talked more about Eddie possibly going (NO!).

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/columns/stor...marc&id=1817096

That would be so nice. I respect an Olympian with gold more than a NBA World Champion.

Good for Wade. I wish Carmelo is on the team too. The 3 best '03-'04 rookies on the same team again. (first time - Rookie ASG)

 

I know Iverson will go for sure. He has been waiting be on Team USA for the longest.

the current situation with players deciding not to participate in the USA TEAM is ridiculous and pathetic. It's sad to see how players today don't give as much importance as they should to representing their country in front of the world. This is a very important moment for America politically and athletically. US basketball has to prove that it's the best in the world, as it failed to do so in the World Tourney in Indy.

Hopefully with the advent of the World Cup in baseball, we will see major leaguers play in the Olympics in baseball and save that as a medal sport.

 

It would be nice to do like hockey and have an olympic break.

Hopefully with the advent of the World Cup in baseball, we will see major leaguers play in the Olympics in baseball and save that as a medal sport.

 

It would be nice to do like hockey and have an olympic break.

I don't want to see that.

 

I like my baseball season as it is.

well some players do care alot about repping the home team, its just that most tend to be the international players. for them its so important and i think that stems from the "need" they feel to dethrone the US to prove theyre better.

 

american players dont feel its that big of a deal because they still think its guaranteed gold and a perfect record despite the EMBARRASSING bulls*** that took place 2 years ago and want a break from the long tough season. at least thats what i think about the situation. i dont like it but its going to take a few more disasters in these tourneys to make it clear to them that theyre participation is important.

Hopefully with the advent of the World Cup in baseball, we will see major leaguers play in the Olympics in baseball and save that as a medal sport.

 

It would be nice to do like hockey and have an olympic break.

you cant really do that in baseball. hockey teams dont play a lot of games consecutively, they tend to have a few days off between games so they can have a break and squeeze the schedule somewhat.

 

you cant do that in baseball, the marlins just played 20 games in a row. teams play literally everyday, you cant have a break during the season unless the schedule would be shortend during an olympic year which i dont like the idea of.

the current situation with players deciding not to participate in the USA TEAM is ridiculous and pathetic. It's sad to see how players today don't give as much importance as they should to representing their country in front of the world. This is a very important moment for America politically and athletically. US basketball has to prove that it's the best in the world, as it failed to do so in the World Tourney in Indy.

gotta disagree

 

face it, when you talk about an nba player, you talk about their nba titles, not gold medals. look at guys like karl malone, alonzo mourning, and john stockton. all their careers are thought of as incomplete even though theyre olympians

 

in other words, nba titles are remembered longer than gold medals. thats the reason players keep pulling out, cause they want to relax and get ready for the season. does that make them unpatriotic? hell no

 

also: the way construction is going in athens, they might end up playing outdoors. boy these olympics will suck

I'd love to see Wade play for USA. This team won't be nearly as flashy as past teams, even last year's squad, but these kids are going to be fun to watch.

the current situation with players deciding not to participate in the USA TEAM is ridiculous and pathetic. It's sad to see how players today don't give as much importance as they should to representing their country in front of the world. This is a very important moment for America politically and athletically. US basketball has to prove that it's the best in the world, as it failed to do so in the World Tourney in Indy.

gotta disagree

 

face it, when you talk about an nba player, you talk about their nba titles, not gold medals. look at guys like karl malone, alonzo mourning, and john stockton. all their careers are thought of as incomplete even though theyre olympians

 

in other words, nba titles are remembered longer than gold medals. thats the reason players keep pulling out, cause they want to relax and get ready for the season. does that make them unpatriotic? hell no

 

also: the way construction is going in athens, they might end up playing outdoors. boy these olympics will suck no .... playing for a team gives you money and representing your country doesnt, thats the only reason why some dont go

 

 

I guess money is that important to these already filthy rich bastards :thumbdown

 

 

representing your country should be considered the best achivement as an athlete

the current situation with players deciding not to participate in the USA TEAM is ridiculous and pathetic.? It's sad to see how players today don't give as much importance as they should to representing their country in front of the world.? This is a very important moment for America politically and athletically.? US basketball has to prove that it's the best in the world, as it failed to do so in the World Tourney in Indy.

gotta disagree

 

face it, when you talk about an nba player, you talk about their nba titles, not gold medals. look at guys like karl malone, alonzo mourning, and john stockton. all their careers are thought of as incomplete even though theyre olympians

 

in other words, nba titles are remembered longer than gold medals. thats the reason players keep pulling out, cause they want to relax and get ready for the season. does that make them unpatriotic? hell no

 

also: the way construction is going in athens, they might end up playing outdoors. boy these olympics will suck no .... playing for a team gives you money and representing your country doesnt, thats the only reason why some dont go

 

 

I guess money is that important to these already filthy rich bastards :thumbdown

 

 

representing your country should be considered the best achivement as an athlete i think calling guys who play a long grueling season who dont want to play during the summer greedy bastards is unfair

 

as i said before, nba rings are remembered longer than olympic gold medals. look at charles barkley. he has a gold medal, but still his career is incomplete

 

some of these players also have families and the summer is the only time where they can spend quality time with their kids, and you cant fault some guys for wanting to stay here

Personally I'd rather see him rest for the upcoming season that to go and have to play overseas for the US.

 

The Heat need him to be healthy and in full form.

Agreed DGO.

 

It's nice that he's being considered but he's had a long and full-fufilled season. If he wants to go, then more power to him but if his ass gets injured, I will be SOOOO pissed.

 

I don't even think "Team USA" is some big deal. If players don't wanna go, oh well, I'd want my vacation too after a physical 8 months.

What happened last time one of our players went on Team USA?

 

Oh, that's right. He came back with a kidney disease, struggled for health, and was forced to retire.

 

It'd be great if Wade could play on the team but he was banged up this year and needs to get healthy and stronger.

Agreed DGO.

 

It's nice that he's being considered but he's had a long and full-fufilled season. If he wants to go, then more power to him but if his ass gets injured, I will be SOOOO pissed.

 

I don't even think "Team USA" is some big deal. If players don't wanna go, oh well, I'd want my vacation too after a physical 8 months.

exactly

 

its very stupid to call these guys unpatriotic greedy bastards just for wantin to rest after 8-9 months of basketball

some actually want to........ but they dont wanna go over seas and do it with all this terrorist s*** they here out there can you really blame them?????

 

so im not pist that they dont wanna go...... but we are americans and her 3rd string all star players cna beat anybody teh world thorws at us......

so im not pist that they dont wanna go...... but we are americans and her 3rd string all star players cna beat anybody teh world thorws at us......

i agree with dagreatone and heatgirl about prefering wade to stay home. he was injured a lot this year and i would be petrified during everygame at the thought that he could get hurt.

 

 

odom, thats bulls***. thats not the case anymore. just think back to 2002.

Wades still got plenty of time to participate on Team USA later in his career barring any injuries.

some actually want to........ but they dont wanna go over seas and do it with all this terrorist s*** they here out there can you really blame them?????

Um, yeah, they are going to really be in danger of terrorists attacking while they are staying on a boat protected at all hours of the day by the world's most feared force, the United States Marines. Yeah, I buy the terrorist argument.

 

so im not pist that they dont wanna go...... but we are americans and her 3rd string all star players cna beat anybody teh world thorws at us......

Tell that to Puerto Rico. And all the Latin Americans in baseball. Fact of the matter is if the US doesn't send its best the rest of the world isn't going to take pity and they'll send their best regardless. And oh btw, their best is currently putting on shows everynight in the NBA.

Boozer added to the roster

 

Associated Press

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Carlos Boozer has been added to the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team, an NBA source told The Associated Press on Monday.

 

 

 

Boozer accepted an invitation from USA Basketball and will join Cleveland teammate LeBron James on the ever-changing roster for this summer's games in Athens, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

 

 

 

Another source with knowledge of Boozer's invitation said an official announcement was expected later this week.

 

 

 

In his second year in the league, Boozer emerged as one of the Eastern Conference's top power forwards this season. The former Duke star averaged 15.5 points and 11.4 rebounds for the improved Cavs, who went 35-47 after winning just 17 games a year ago.

 

 

 

Like James, Boozer is a late addition to a U.S. team that has already lost several superstars for personal reasons.

 

 

 

Ray Allen, Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Elton Brand, Kenyon Martin and Tracy McGrady have withdrawn from the team or have said they would not accept invitations.

 

 

 

Mike Bibby and Jermaine O'Neal also are expected to bow out.

 

 

 

U.S. coach Admin Brown, a member of the 1964 U.S. team, said he understands that players have other commitments.

 

 

 

"I just look at it as maybe a missed opportunity for the guys that are dropping out, but an unbelievable chance for the guys that want to play," Brown said from the NBA Finals in Los Angeles. "The more young kids with enthusiasm that are going to be our future, in my mind, the better off we can be."

 

 

 

The U.S. team now includes James, Boozer, Stephon Marbury, Allen Iverson, Richard Jefferson, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire and Tim Duncan. Only Duncan and Marion have extensive international experience, but no one on the roster has played in an Olympics.

 

 

 

Brown would like to add veterans Ben Wallace and Reggie Miller to the squad -- and perhaps a few more kids.

 

 

 

Denver's Carmelo Anthony and Miami's Dwyane Wade are two of the players most often mentioned.

what im sayin is that our 3rd or 4th stringers could beat the worlds best cuz these are NBA players better than better.........

 

who gives f*** what PR or anyboyd puts out there they aint got nothing on us.......

 

im not worried....... and eys i remember KG sayin he was afraid that s***....... if it was all fun and games mosts them would be out there....... but this s*** is going on everywhere ....... nobody expected spain to get bombed like they did ....... do you really think these NBA playaz trust Greece's securty f*** that....... they lookin out 4 themselves.........

 

if i was an NBA star I would go out there ethier im more safe where i am now than i would be ova there....... everybody allready knows the world hates us.......

 

and if Boozer go's out there im sure he's better than whom eva 75 % the people the world thows at us in Olypics......

what im sayin is that our 3rd or 4th stringers could beat the worlds best cuz these are NBA players better than better.........

 

who gives f*** what PR or anyboyd puts out there they aint got nothing on us.......

 

 

hey kid... :censored ...watch your mouth when you talk about Puerto Rico. We're never going to beat an NBA team, and I personally root for the U.S. when they play us, but don't talk s***.

 

Puerto Rico did beat Yugoslavia, Spain and Germany at the world tourney, and if it weren't for our bulls*** game against the worst team in the semifinals, New Zealand, we would've qualified top 4, and that's quite an achievement for such a little island.

 

All this talk about the players not wanting to go and justifying it by saying that a championship is more important than a gold medal is bulls***. Michael Jordan understood that, Admin Bird understood that, Ewing, Robinson...the real Dream Team. They don't go to the Olympics now a days because they're a bunch of spoiled bitches who only play for money. I'd send WAde to play at Athens, and if he gets injured, so be it. I'm a Heat fan at heart, but there's more important things in life, and fighting for your country is high in my list.

what im sayin is that our 3rd or 4th stringers could beat the worlds best cuz these are NBA players better than better.........

 

who gives f*** what PR or anyboyd puts out there they aint got nothing on us.......

 

im not worried....... and eys i remember KG sayin he was afraid that s***....... if it was all fun and games mosts them would be out there....... but this s*** is going on everywhere ....... nobody expected spain to get bombed like they did ....... do you really think these NBA playaz trust Greece's securty f*** that....... they lookin out 4 themselves.........

 

if i was an NBA star I would go out there ethier im more safe where i am now than i would be ova there....... everybody allready knows the world hates us.......

 

and if Boozer go's out there im sure he's better than whom eva 75 % the people the world thows at us in Olypics......

dude are you that ignorant? that mightve been the case 10 years ago but it sure as f*** aint true anymore. the 2000 team was a shot away from losing a game, the 2002 team was flat out embarrassed and finished 6th in the tourney. ill never forget watching them get their asses kicked.

what im sayin is that our 3rd or 4th stringers could beat the worlds best cuz these are NBA players better than better.........

 

who gives f*** what PR or anyboyd puts out there they aint got nothing on us.......

 

im not worried....... and eys i remember KG sayin he was afraid that s***....... if it was all fun and games mosts them would be out there....... but this s*** is going on everywhere ....... nobody expected spain to get bombed like they did ....... do you really think these NBA playaz trust Greece's securty f*** that....... they lookin out 4 themselves.........

 

if i was an NBA star I would go out there ethier im more safe where i am now than i would be ova there....... everybody allready knows the world hates us.......

 

and if Boozer go's out there im sure he's better than whom eva 75 % the people the world thows at us in Olypics......

dude are you that ignorant? that mightve been the case 10 years ago but it sure as f*** aint true anymore. the 2000 team was a shot away from losing a game, the 2002 team was flat out embarrassed and finished 6th in the tourney. ill never forget watching them get their asses kicked. exactly...anyone who follows the NBA knows that there's been an "international explosion" in the past few years, and that the quality of basketball played in Argentina, Yugoslavia, Germany, Spain, China, Puerto Rico, etc. has improved in leaps! The argentines specially keep putting more and more people on NBA rosters, and they rule Latin America right now...more and more Eastern European players are coming in. The US needs to bring their A game in order to win, and that was proved in the past tourney, end of discussion.