Jason Kidd is the only member of the 2008 Olympic "Redeem Team" that isn't expected to return to Team USA in the future. But some of the key players from that squad are now hedging on whether or not they'll play at the FIBA World Championships in Turkey this summer. Both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are now considered unlikely to participate.
Timing is part of the problem. Both LeBron and D-Wade can be free agents this summer, and players without contracts are usually hesitant to participate in non-league activities for fear of injury. But free agency starts in July and the World Championships are in late August... and no one really thinks the courtship of LBJ will drag on for two months.
Wade's personal life could also keep him from participating, as he's currently going through a divorce.
Any defections will create an interesting test for USA Basketball's Jerry Colangelo. Colangelo has insisted that players must be fully invested in Team USA to have a chance at playing in London -- but it's hard to imagine USA Basketball giving LeBron a "thanks, no thanks," even if he does decide to sit out the World Championships.
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