Why is it NBA players rejects the invitation to represent Team USA at the Olympics? International NBA players do not have a problem doing that. Instead they feel it's an honor to represent their respective country at the Olympics. That's the patriotism showed by the International NBA players. Yes, i do agree after such a long and hectic NBA season, players kinda worn out and need a break to spend time with the family but for crying out loud, the Olympics is held once every 4 years. At the '92 Olympics, players from the original Dream Team do not have such problems. Each and everyone of them were so excited to represent Team USA. If i'm not wrong, nobody actually rejected the invitation at that time. Even our own Zeke, was so disappointed that he was not invited to play. If players ever complained about the fatigue factor, take a long look at Bulls MJ and Pippen from the Dream Team. They have just completed their back to back NBA championship that year. And guess what? After the Olympics, Bulls 3 peat the following year. What's wrong with the attitude of NBA players nowadays?

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DETROIT BASKETBALL

The Pistons' starting 5 would dominate in the Olympics. It would be fun to take a group of guys that already have set plays, instead of trying to get a bunch of all-stars to not be ball hogs.

Not a bad idea. How about both the NBA Finalist starting 5 minus the international players for Team USA at the Olympics. Head coach from the NBA Champions and assistant from the runner up. Guaranteed a gold.

They make too much money for playing a GAME.

I like the idea of going back to college kids too. Let the rest of the world use pros. We can still compete.

rip and tay have been asked to go, and i think both are interested.

According to the detnews

"Jerry Colangelo, head of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team, told The News he is considering four Pistons for a possible spot on the team that will play in the World Championships this summer and in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He has had brief discussions with Hamilton and Prince. He is also interested in talking to Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace.
"I have had conversations with Chauncey's agent (AndyMiller)," Colangelo said. "We are interested in a couple of Andy's guys. One of the concerns about Chauncey is that his wife is pregnant and could be having the baby this summer. He may or may not be able to participate because of that."
Billups had said over the weekend he had not heard from Team USA, but that was because Miller had yet to deliver the message.
Colangelo is trying to make contact with as many as 35 players.
He wants to make telephone contact first, then have a face-to-face meeting with each one to determine the strength of his commitment."

serbian players too started refusing to play for the country...

many of them have us dollars in their skin so they don't value playing for their nation...

commercialism > nationalism.

Good players make more money than most small businesses, what is pride to a CEO of a multimillion dollar enterprise.