<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LOS ANGELES -- Shaquille O'Neal does not yet know whether he'll play at the Athens Olympics, and his decision could be affected by how far the Los Angeles Lakers go in the playoffs. Three spots remain open on the U.S. roster, and there could be a fourth if Kobe Bryant is unable to play because of his sexual assault trial in Colorado. "I've done it twice, and I want to give other guys a chance to go," said O'Neal, a gold medalist on the 1996 Olympic team and the 1994 World Championship team. The USA Basketball selection committee plans to meet in the next several weeks to begin the process of finalizing a roster that already includes Bryant, Jason Kidd, Karl Malone, Jermaine O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Mike Bibby, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson and Ray Allen. Kevin Garnett is a virtual lock for one of the open spots if he chooses to play, and Vince Carter and Elton Brand are expected to make the team after performing well at a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico last summer. O'Neal's presence would give the Americans a true center, allowing Duncan and Jermaine O'Neal to play their natural position -- power forward. If Shaquille O'Neal declines to play, All-Star Brad Miller would likely receive serious consideration, USA basketball officials have indicated.</div> Full Article Forget that, the USA team already has enough talent, and they should win it every year. Shaq doesn't need to go out there and risk anything, resting as well as staying in shape will be a huge factor for Shaq heading into the offseason.
The US team has enough size and talent already with Jermaine and Duncan(and KG if he decides to play).Let Shaq rest,he already 2 gold medals and is geting older.He should restand get into shape.IMO, i think Karl shouldn't play and rest more.He is in his 40's.
