The U.S. plans to stick with its short-handed men’s Olympic basketball team — at least for now.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Monday he has no plans to make any additions to the roster, despite another wave of injuries.
“At this moment we do not have any plans to add anyone,” he said. “We may very well be seeking permission to add someone else.”
Even so, there’s no guarantee it would be granted. The Americans already were granted one extension by the U.S. Olympic Committee to add Anthony Davis and James Harden to their group of finalists after the deadline has passed for players to be entered in the drug testing pool.
Miami’s Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have since pulled out with injuries, and Davis sprained his ankle Saturday working out with the New Orleans Hornets. Colangelo said the U.S. would still like the No. 1 pick to come to training camp in Las Vegas so it could stay on top of his situation.
Even if Davis can’t play this week and make the 12-man roster, Colangelo wants the alternates to be ready just in case they’re needed later this summer.
“In Davis’ case, maybe he’s not capable of going early, but maybe he would be [later],” Colangelo said.
Davis had been scheduled to join Harden, Blake Griffin, Lamar Odom and perhaps others for an informal workout Thursday on the eve of camp.
The original pool of 20 finalists was named in January, and the 12-player roster was to be selected June 18. However, when Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose were added to the previous losses of Chauncey Billups and LaMarcus Aldridge, USA Basketball made the two additions and was given until July 7 to name its roster for London.
Size remains the biggest obstacle to a gold medal defense for the Americans. Howard was their starting center and Bosh backed him up in Beijing. Colangelo is intrigued by Davis and was looking forward to seeing the college player of the year on the floor in camp.
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