<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If LeBron James wants to assure himself of a trip to the Beijing Olympics, he'd better show up for more than a cameo in Las Vegas this summer. In a blunt retort to James' statement that he is only "50-50" on playing for the United States at the Tournament of the Americas Olympic qualifying tournament, Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo told ESPN.com that James could be jeopardizing his status as one of the five or six core players for the Beijing Olympics. "Unless people have a legitimate reason for not participating, I expect them to uphold their three-year commitment. I'm standing by my commitment and I expect people to stand by theirs. If someone chooses not to participate just because they'd rather not play, that person would put himself at risk as far as who ultimately represents us at the Olympics," Colangelo said. Coming off a third-place finish at last summer's World Championship, Team USA will attempt to qualify for the Olympics at the Tournament of the Americas in Las Vegas Aug. 22-Sept. 2. Because two spots are at stake for teams from the region, the most important game will be the semifinal on Sept. 1. Team USA will have a roster that looks quite different from the one Colangelo brought to Japan last summer, with new additions Jason Kidd and Carlos Boozer -- both former Olympians -- expected to play alongside Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Chauncey Billups, Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire, none of whom was on last summer's Japan roster due to extenuating circumstances. "It'll be based on merit, but you could see a number of changes," Colangelo said.</div> Source --> ESPN
I think it's gotten to the point where most players really don't care about the olympics, because it puts wear and tear on their bodies throughout the summer and then in turn it effects them when the reg. season comes along......
Then you got to wonder why most international players don't care about the risks when they play in the Olympics. I'd personally take him off the team. There's got to be some American NBA players that actually care about representing their country.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Then you got to wonder why most international players don't care about the risks when they play in the Olympics. I'd personally take him off the team. There's got to be some American NBA players that actually care about representing their country.</div> They should use actual CBA players to represent Team USA. Those players are familiar with the FIBA rules, and the American players who didn't make it in the NBA have found success in the CBA. Former CBA players who graduated into the NBA & NBADL could also participate. Players like Anthony Parker, Shammond Williams, & Marcus Fizer.
Team USA doesn't need Lebron, in fact I think they'd be more successful with a line-up of Hinrich, Wade, Melo, Bosh and Dwight.
<div class="quote_poster">The Legend Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">LeBron dosen't want to end up like Wade did, Wade was tired at the begning of the season remember.</div> LeBron played last summer with Wade, so it shouldn't be an issue. I never understood how playing basketball in the offseason would make you tired. If anything it should improve your conditioning for the upcoming season. LeBron has a lot of commitments, Team USA basketball doesn't appear to be a priority for him, so he should be cut.
What has happened. I wish players today would take more pride in the Olympics. Just think how badly we would kill teams if the NBA's best showed up. I understand if your team is just coming off a championship you've been playing for 8 months and after the olympics that would leave 1 month til training camp. But I'd love to see us get a gold medal.
<div class="quote_poster">Detroit Madness Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What has happened. I wish players today would take more pride in the Olympics. Just think how badly we would kill teams if the NBA's best showed up. </div> we are sending *some* of the best in the NBA... it's just that everyone else got better. The days where team USA wins by an average margin of 30+ is gone.
Lebron's not saying that he doesnt want to play in the olympics, he just saying that he might not play in the <u>tournament of the americas.</u> Lets not blow this out of proportion.
That kind of lackadaisical attitude is what Colangelo was trying to get rid of when he asked everyone to make 3-year commitments. He wants more chemistry built with the roster and wants to know that everybody is dedicated to the program. By wavering on his commitment, Lebron's showing that its not as big a priority to him and is potentially bringing unwanted media speculation to the team. Personally, I'd take him off the team. I don't think he's that needed anyways. btw, good call on Anthony Parker, shape. He's not a star in the NBA, but he dominated against the best European teams and definitely has experience with that style of play. I think he actually be a better fit than Lebron.
<div class="quote_poster">yudalicious Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">we are sending *some* of the best in the NBA... it's just that everyone else got better. The days where team USA wins by an average margin of 30+ is gone.</div> We are sending good players don't get me wrong, I'd like to see the East & West squads on the roster.
<div class="quote_poster">The Legend Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">LeBron dosen't want to end up like Wade did, Wade was tired at the begning of the season remember.</div> Plus LeBron had more time to rest because he didn`t go all the way to the Finals, which makes your season even longer.
