Huh? What kind of segue was that?
Well, not much of one. But in recent weeks I have found the topic of competing for a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is very much on the minds of NBA players. After a stellar performance at the FIBA Americas tournament, the opportunity to reclaim the Olympic gold medal is well within the United States' grasp. Players recognize it too, which is why the competition for spots on the U.S. team is going to be as fierce as it has ever been.
"It's going to be a battle," Bucks guard Michael Redd told me last week. "This is a big Olympics, a big chance for everyone. But I welcome the competition. It's going to make everyone who makes the team better."
Count Gilbert Arenas as one of the players hoping to land one of those spots. Arenas was one of the final cuts in 2006 (reports of Arenas being "injured" back then were greatly exaggerated) and could not compete for a spot this summer because he was recovering from a knee injury.
"I'll be back next summer," said Arenas. "If they are going to cut me, they are going to have to cut me every time because I'm going to keep trying out."
Wouldn't expect anything less, Gil.
Arenas, however, will be just one of what could be a dozen NBA stars trying to crack the 12-man roster when the U.S. runs its mini camp in June. Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, Bruce Bowen, Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Paul Pierce, Kevin Durant and Kirk Hinrich are just a handful of the players who could try out for the team.
USA basketball director Jerry Colangelo told me that he really wanted Carlos Boozer on the team this summer, so I consider Boozer a lock to go to China. Likewise Dwyane Wade, who Colangelo considers one of the team's "core" players along with Bryant (see, I knew I would find a segue), LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. That means at least two players who won gold in August won't have the chance to compete for it again next summer. Probably Tyson Chandler and Mike Miller, but you never know.
Who makes the team? Hey, it's never too early to start thinking.
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