Stoudemire Won’t Play on Team USA
The United States national basketball team suffered a severe blow today, the first day of training camp. It was determined that all-star power forward Amare Stoudemire will not play for the national team due to problems with his contract with his current NBA team, the New York Knicks.
Expected to be one of America’s top players in Turkey, the Knicks’ recent addition learned of the disappointment Tuesday. On Monday night he was contacted by the NBA franchise and asked to pull out, despite looking towards rejoining the team he played on in the 2007 Olympic qualifying tournament. He is still eligible for the 2012 Olympics, provided contractual insurance issues are settled.
Apparently puzzled at the arrangement, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said: "The fact is that we were notified by his team that they were pulling him [...] we didn't get specific about next year or anything beyond the immediate information."
ESPN.com reported that Stoudemire possibly wouldn’t play in the Olympic championships, which begin Aug. 28th.
In October of 2005 Stoudemire underwent mircofracture knee surgery after cartilage damage was discovered in testing. The injury was the main reason his former team, the Phoenix Suns, refused to offer him a maximum length renewal contract. The Knicks offered a five-year, $100-million dollar deal, at the same time as saying they were unsure if the contract could be insured.
The Knicks stated that the insurance policy from Stoudemire’s contract with the Suns is still in effect, but that it excludes the question of his surgically replaced left knee. Insurance gaps have begun to be worked out, but drafting and settlements could not meet Olympic deadlines.
NBA teams have the power to prevent players from taking part in summer events if they do not have the proper insurance. This is to insure that they will not have to pay for injuries sustained during the offseason, or even lose players indeterminately due to unforeseen injuries.
Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said: "He had to pull out because he couldn't get insurance on his knees. So, he's not able to play. I don’t know if his (future USA Basketball) status has changed or not. I have no idea. I hate it for him, but it’s business.”
D’Antoni is also an assistant for the US team.
With other players who led the Americans to a 2008 Olympic Gold medal locking their lockers for the summer, the US team and fans were hoping Stoudemire would come through.
Jerry Colangelo summed up collective sentiments. "He's disappointed, we're disappointed, but we have to honor the team's request, decision to pull him. I think it was late notice. He had a big year. He's healthy, he was hungry, and so we lose that. But having said that, it opens up another opportunity for another big."
Stoudemire was recently asked about playing for team USA for the world championships, and on his twitter account posted: "I'm so ready to play for USA. There isn't anything that would stop me for playing for the US."
Stoudemire won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2003, and has made five appearances in NBA All-star games. He is considered one of the best players in the league. Knee problems put him on the bench for much of the 2006 NBA season, just one season after he and Steve Nash led the Suns to a 62-20 record during the regular season.
The New York Knicks chose Stoudemire after pursuing LeBron James proved unsuccessful. Known to be vocal on his Twitter site, there has yet to be an official update concerning the developments.
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