Andrew Bynum and Rajon Rondo turned down invitations. But that was no problem since USA Basketball had plenty of eager replacements...As for Bynum, the Los Angeles Lakers' center, and Rondo, the Boston Celtics' point guard, both were wanted for Team USA. Colangelo said Bynum bowed out at the "last minute," saying he didn't want to make the commitment, and Rondo ignored overtures.
"Rondo was not responsive to inquiries regarding his interest," said Colangelo, who said about three or four players other than Bynum and Rondo declined or didn't respond to invitations. "We just assumed that was the case."
Others named to the list include Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, a lock for the final roster, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo of Memphis, the Clippers' Eric Gordon, Indiana's Danny Granger, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, Al Jefferson and Kevin Love of Minnesota, New York's David Lee, New Jersey's Brook Lopez, the Lakers' Lamar Odom, Boston's Kendrick Perkins and Charlotte's Gerald Wallace.
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Odom on being part of the Team USA pool: "Hopefully I can play well enough at the right time to make it."
Bynum said he turned down Team USA's request to be apart of the player pool simply because he needs the summer to rest his body.
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I asked Bynum abt declining invite for USA Basketball. He said it was easy decision bc of past body breakdowns. "Rest, man."
lame excuse drew.