Dwight Howard’s alleged injury will have more implications than just affecting the Orlando Magic and potential trade destinations next season.
Team USA Basketball Chairman, Jerry Colangelo said that they may take another look at the list of finalists for the 2012 Summer games due to Howard’s injury.
It is anticipated that in addition to Howard, Team USA will be without Lamar Odom who is in a bit of a funk & is not eligible after being deactivated by Dallas and Lamarcus Aldridge who will likely be out due to injury.
This creates a potential liability in the post for the Olympic team. And along with Chauncey Billups, there are now four players from the list of finalists that will unable to participate.
Colangelo will meet with coaches the week of May 1st & has indicated that they will consider adding players to the roster.
The remaining players on the list of finalists include:
Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams.
Obviously, with Rose’s injuries this season, his participation will also be in doubt at this point.
So who could be added to help fill out the roster?
The easy addition, despite his behavior this year is Andrew Bynum. He’s been an absolute force & would help strengthen the post for Team USA. Personally, I’d also consider adding James Harden, Joakim Noah, Rajon Rondo, Roy Hibbert, Al Jefferson or David Lee.
The interesting part, however, is Mike D’Antoni is an assistant coach & I’ll be curious to see how he & Carmelo Anthony interact.
