Rip says he is not sure if wants to yet Francis begs and says he wants to play. But no go for him again. http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1821350 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- USA Basketball expects Detroit's Rip Hamilton and Miami's Lamar Odom to fill the final two vacancies on its ever-changing Olympic roster, ESPN.com has learned. Sources close to Odom told ESPN.com he will accept the invitation. Hamilton, however, has hinted at concerns about security in Athens and said he will delay his decision until after the NBA Finals. If Hamilton declines, USAB officials are expected to turn to Milwaukee's Michael Redd ... not Denver's Carmelo Anthony, sources told ESPN.com. USA Basketball tentatively plans to complete paperwork on its five outstanding invitations by the end of the week. Detroit's Ben Wallace, Cleveland's Carlos Boozer and Miami's Dwyane Wade already have informed the committee that they will accept their recent invites and confirm their participation by completing the necessary documents. Team USA coach Larry Brown, while guiding the Pistons to the NBA Finals, has openly lobbied for the selection of a proven perimeter shooter like Hamilton or Redd. San Antonio's Tim Duncan and Philadelphia's Allen Iverson are the only original members from Team USA's "core" group of nine players who kept their roster spots. Before Wallace, Boozer and Wade verbally accepted, five players were officially named in the first wave of replacements: Cleveland's LeBron James, New York's Stephon Marbury, New Jersey's Richard Jefferson and the Phoenix duo of Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire. Marbury is the only recognized point guard in that group, but Odom will join James, Iverson and Wade in a group of combo guards who can handle the ball. Committee sources said that, despite the loud displeasure voiced last week by Anthony, its position on the Denver rookie hasn't changed. USAB officials fear there would be little playing time available for Anthony with James, Jefferson and Marion essentially playing the same position. Odom and Wade were preferred, sources said, because of their ballhandling abilities. Sacramento's Mike 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 this month 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 establishing 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 also have declined invitations, with reasons ranging from injuries (Kidd and Brand) to weddings (Garnett and Carter) to childbirth (Allen). 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 I have read that SF has openly said once, maybe twice that he'd like to represent his country. However, the way everyone on this boards sees it, one would believe that he has a campaign to get on the squad. Now, it doesn't take much to realize that there's some kind of bias against SF. But, just for my edumacation, can someone show me the references that you use to support the idea that SF is desperately waiting by the phone waiting for an invitation to the squad? Are there actual articles, interviews, or hearsays? Or is it just a seed planted in the BBS, and is now to the fully manifested state of an ill-sighted opinion?
when has francis said he wants to play this year? I will probably get bashed but who cares. SF will save himself from injury and get more rest.
Francis could really use some tutoring by Larry Brown..... But, LB wants to win, so I guess there is no place for Steve. DD
this should demonstrate what league insiders think of SF's game. i feel the same way......... but my sense of loyalty to him & the fact that he's an intriguing talent makes me want him as a Rocket next year.
Here's the line that dooms SF's chances for getting picked: Francis may be many things but a proven perimeter shooter he is not.
The other players listed in that article are far more deserving than SF. He'll just have to prove it when he goes to the Magic and we get McGrady.
I only remember one, maybe two direct quotes from SF re: his desire to represent the US. All of the other articles were mere conjecture. Anyway, I was just wondering is all. Maybe when I have some time, I'll Google it.
I said it before and I'll say it again. As long as Stu Jackson has anything to do with the selections, SF will never be an olympian. That schmuck is still holding a grudge over the whole draft ordeal.
Brand and Marbury know how to play team ball......Iverson...well, I agree there, except that he is a prolific scorer. I do not hate Steve, I just recognize his limitations as a player. DD
STeve wins against Marbury consistently. Marbury was a dud in NY. Honestly I think Steve is better than MArbury. Stephon may be able to do some things better, but he's more selfish, more concerned about making himself a star, and doesn't seem to put it all together come playoff time when the pressure is on.
