Sources: Tour dates, details finalized
Nearly two dozen of the NBA's top stars will embark on a six-game, two-week, four-continent tour that begins Sunday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
The tour, dubbed the World All-Star Classic, was first reported last week by ESPN.com and has been in the works for the past three months, but terms and logistics are now finalized and an official announcement will be made by the tour's organizers on Wednesday.
Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant will headline the roster of 18 all-star players, sources said.
The remaining 14 players will be announced Wednesday. LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Carlos Boozer, Tyson Chandler, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo and Chris Kaman are among the candidates.
Chris Broussard, ESPN
Blake has already been rumored to be one of the stars heading out on this trip. This is the first that I've heard of Kaman mentioned. I think it would be cool if they both are able to take part in it. It'll be a good experience for both.
Blake cut his foot at the beach about a week or so ago and needed stitches. Hopefully, he's good to go.
Update
Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook are rumored to be pulling out. Noah could be added into the mix.
)? Is the money not what they thought it would be, or maybe it's the agents that are advising their players not to participate. LeBron, Paul & Melo are all represented by CAA/Leon Rose. Rose & Westbrook are both represented by Arn Tellem.