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Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Elton Brand, Kenyon Martin and Tracy McGrady have withdrawn from the team or have said they would not accept invitations.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 Larry 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.
hahaha, this is getting too ridiculous. I'm not knocking Boozer really. He's a good player and I'd love having him on the Rockets. But, he's barely been in the league. He and fellow-invitee Lebron James missed the playoffs in the East. And, they will be representing us in the Olympics? This is too funny. Thank goodness I'm a dual citizen -- go Frederic Weiss!
IN Iverson Duncan Lebron Marbury R Jefferson Carlos Boozer Amare Stoudamire Shawn Marion {Dwayne Wade}-not yet announced {Ben Wallace} **10 of 12 roster spots** On Deck Carmelo Anthony Rip Hamilton Michael Redd Eddie Jones OUT/Declined/Injured McGrady Kidd Shaq KG Jermaine O'Neal Kenyon Martin Elton Brand Ray Allen Mike Bibby Kobe Malone Sam Cassell Vince Carter Remaining NBA leaders in assists (omitting players mentioned above and foreign): Baron Davis, NO Eric Snow, Phi Jason Williams, Mem Kirk Hinrich, Chi Steve Francis, Hou Remaining NBA leaders in points: Paul Pierce, Bos Baron Davis, NO Michael Redd, Mil Remaining NBA leaders in rebounds: Eric Dampier, GSW {Carlos Boozer, Cle}-selected Zach Randolph, Por Jamaal Magloire, NO Brad Miller, Sac What's really crazy is how small this team is. Duncan is the only 7-footer on the squad. Considering the number of perimeter shooting centers we're going to face, this could be trouble. Stu Jackson needs to be replaced once this squad struggles to get the bronze. Evan
Remember when the Dream Team first played in 1992, and everyone just assumed that the US would forever dominate the Olympics once they allowed pro players? Man that seems like a distant memory now. Thank goodness Duncan is still playing. Otherwise, this squad might have trouble medaling this year. Larry Brown is going to have a hell of a coaching job to do this summer.
Though it's not formal or official, Dwayne Wade has told Florida papers that he's accepted an invite. Also, word has it the committee is determined to have a full roster (3 invites left) before the week is out. Evan
Iverson Duncan Lebron Marbury R Jefferson Carlos Boozer Amare Stoudamire Shawn Marion {Dwayne Wade}-not yet announced {Ben Wallace} This is not a very good Olympic team...
Maybe we should make ourselves feel better by coming up with a "worst Olympic team possible" that must include current NBA-roster folks. That would be fun at least.
The All-Bad Chemistry Team PG - Damon Stoudamire SG - Bonzi Wells SF - Ruben Patterson PF - Rasheed Wallace C - Shawn Kemp ... Oh wait...
