Later this month, USA Basketball is holding a minicamp and the powers that be have made it known that any player hoping to participate in the 2016 Olympics has to attend. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Rockets big man Dwight Howard is the latest big name who intends to be there. More details:
Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is the latest marquee name to commit to attend the upcoming USA Basketball minicamp, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that Howard, who had to withdraw from the 2012 Olympic team to undergo back surgery, has told USA Basketball officials he plans to attend the Aug. 11-13 gathering in Las Vegas to make known his availability for selection to the 2016 Olympic squad.
Also planning to attend, sources said, is two-time Olympian Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul was a member of the 2008 and 2012 Olympic squads.
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo has said repeatedly in recent weeks that attendance at the minicamp is mandatory for any player who wishes to be considered for the 12-man squad that will represent the United States at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Meanwhile, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose is still weighing his options in regards to attending the Team USA minicamp, as he is considering resting his legs instead. From ESPN Chicago:
Chicago Bulls star guard Derrick Rose is still undecided about attending Team USA’s minicamp, according to league sources.
Rose has indicated in the past that he would like to play for Team USA in the Olympics, but sources told ESPNChicago.com that he is weighing the potential benefits of taking more time off before the start of Bulls training camp in late September.
