Dwight Howard’s back surgery created a need for more depth at center on the USA Basketball Olympics team, but don’t expect Andrew Bynum to fill the spot.
Bynum, who is considered by many to be the second-best center in the game behind Howard, says he prefers to rest his legs in the offseason.
“Probably not,” Bynum said after Friday’s loss to the Spurs, when asked if he would consider playing in the Olympics. “I’ve got to take care of my legs in the offseason.
“I’ve got some things (treatment) planned on my knees. I need it. I need to have some therapy,” he told reporters.
Bynum did not play in the 2008 Olympics because he was coming off a knee injury, and he has not been contacted by USA Basketball this week since the Howard news. The big men on the roster include Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, and Blake Griffin.
Chairman Jerry Colangelo confirmed on Friday that Lamar Odom, who was on the 2008 gold medal-winning team and one of the 20 finalists for the 2012 team, is not being considered.
“Lamar Odom had a year that is a forgettable year for him,” Colangelo said. “I don’t think he possibly, physically or emotionally, could be ready to participate and contribute.”
Anyone who may consider Bynum selfish for prioritizing his personal health over trying to help his country win a gold medal should consider a few things. One, the international game doesn’t require as much brute at center as the NBA, so Team USA should manage without him. Two, everyone should be thankful that Andrew Bynum is finally showing responsibility. Do you recall how immature he was when dealing with his last two injuries?
