I would probably prefer that Amare Stoudemire did not play in the Olympics, but it could be a good thing for him. He could learn a lot from guys like Tim Duncan.
Joe
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/0507sunsnb0507.html
Stoudemire in Olympic mix
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
May. 7, 2004 12:00 AM
Amaré Stoudemire already had plans to see more of the world this summer with a visit to Leandro Barbosa in Brazil. Now, Greece could be on the docket with Stoudemire in the mix for an Olympic roster spot.
"There's a pretty good chance," Stoudemire said.
If Stoudemire is in the mix, fellow Suns forward Shawn Marion likely is, too. Marion has shown a commitment to USA Basketball, having played at the 2002 World Championships and the 2001 Goodwill Games.
Suns President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo is on the 10-member selection committee but is not permitted to comment on the process.
The committee, which will have a conference call next week, was aiming to solidify the roster this month, but that will be difficult with several players' plans in flux. A roster must be done by mid-July.
"I'm trying to get that Olympic thing going," Stoudemire said. "It's going to be close. It's an honor to be considered."
USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller said eight invitations for the 12-man roster were accepted, by Mike Bibby, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Jermaine O'Neal, Jason Kidd, Karl Malone, Tracy McGrady and Tim Duncan. Richard Jeffersonalso reportedly has a spot.
Kobe Bryant withdrew last week. Vince Carter dropped out due to a wedding. Weddings may also keep out Kevin Garnett and Allen. Kidd's and Malone's knee problems may pull them out.
Stoudemire's chances appear stronger now because the only committed big men are O'Neal and Duncan. Elton Brand and Shaquille O'Neal are also wavering.
"That would be great experience for Amaré or Shawn," Suns coach Mike D'Antonisaid. "For Amaré to be hanging around some very talented guys, it'd be a big help."
D'Antoni deal talk
There have been recent discussions to extend D'Antoni's contract, which expires after next season, the coach said.
"With respect to our staff, we've got some things to address and among them is the term Mike has remaining, as well as the current makeup of assistant coaches, particularly the opening since Mike took over," Colangelo said.
Dealt a difficult hand after the midseason firing of Frank Johnson, D'Antoni impressed the organization with the way he prepared the NBA's youngest team. He earned the players' respect and could more easily maintain that without a contract cloud.
"No question that would be good," Stoudemire said. "D'Antoni is a great coach."
Pick a winner
The Suns plan to submit Diana Taurasi's name to the league today as their representative for the May 26 draft lottery in Seacaucus, N.J., Colangelo said.
Taurasi may have the karma, having been the Mercury's prize for winning the top pick in the WNBA lottery. She went from an NCAA title at Connecticut to Phoenix, and the Suns would like Huskies center Emeka Okafor to do the same. Okafor is expected to be among the first selections June 24.
Joe
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/0507sunsnb0507.html
Stoudemire in Olympic mix
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
May. 7, 2004 12:00 AM
Amaré Stoudemire already had plans to see more of the world this summer with a visit to Leandro Barbosa in Brazil. Now, Greece could be on the docket with Stoudemire in the mix for an Olympic roster spot.
"There's a pretty good chance," Stoudemire said.
If Stoudemire is in the mix, fellow Suns forward Shawn Marion likely is, too. Marion has shown a commitment to USA Basketball, having played at the 2002 World Championships and the 2001 Goodwill Games.
Suns President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo is on the 10-member selection committee but is not permitted to comment on the process.
The committee, which will have a conference call next week, was aiming to solidify the roster this month, but that will be difficult with several players' plans in flux. A roster must be done by mid-July.
"I'm trying to get that Olympic thing going," Stoudemire said. "It's going to be close. It's an honor to be considered."
USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller said eight invitations for the 12-man roster were accepted, by Mike Bibby, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Jermaine O'Neal, Jason Kidd, Karl Malone, Tracy McGrady and Tim Duncan. Richard Jeffersonalso reportedly has a spot.
Kobe Bryant withdrew last week. Vince Carter dropped out due to a wedding. Weddings may also keep out Kevin Garnett and Allen. Kidd's and Malone's knee problems may pull them out.
Stoudemire's chances appear stronger now because the only committed big men are O'Neal and Duncan. Elton Brand and Shaquille O'Neal are also wavering.
"That would be great experience for Amaré or Shawn," Suns coach Mike D'Antonisaid. "For Amaré to be hanging around some very talented guys, it'd be a big help."
D'Antoni deal talk
There have been recent discussions to extend D'Antoni's contract, which expires after next season, the coach said.
"With respect to our staff, we've got some things to address and among them is the term Mike has remaining, as well as the current makeup of assistant coaches, particularly the opening since Mike took over," Colangelo said.
Dealt a difficult hand after the midseason firing of Frank Johnson, D'Antoni impressed the organization with the way he prepared the NBA's youngest team. He earned the players' respect and could more easily maintain that without a contract cloud.
"No question that would be good," Stoudemire said. "D'Antoni is a great coach."
Pick a winner
The Suns plan to submit Diana Taurasi's name to the league today as their representative for the May 26 draft lottery in Seacaucus, N.J., Colangelo said.
Taurasi may have the karma, having been the Mercury's prize for winning the top pick in the WNBA lottery. She went from an NCAA title at Connecticut to Phoenix, and the Suns would like Huskies center Emeka Okafor to do the same. Okafor is expected to be among the first selections June 24.
