NBA players must weigh risks, rewards of going for Olympic gold

Originally published July 14, 2012 at 7:11 PM | Page modified July 14, 2012 at 7:42 PM

LAS VEGAS ? The exact moment All-Star forward Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers suffered the knee injury that derailed his quest for an Olympic gold medal is unknown, but his forced withdrawal has renewed concerns over whether NBA players should participate in international events such as the London Games.

Griffin was injured while practicing Wednesday ? the same day he signed a five-year, $95 million contract extension with the Clippers ? and has since been replaced by rookie Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Hornets.

"That's a big loss," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said of Griffin after Team USA thrashed the Dominican Republic 113-59 Thursday. "Blake was playing really well for us."

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been one of the most outspoken critics of the Dream Team concept and recently called the continued use of free superstar labor the "epitome of stupidity" since owners assume most of the risk if their multimillion-dollar investments get injured.

Cuban has recently found an ally in none other than league commissioner David Stern, who played an instrumental role in opening the door for Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and other Hall of Famers to suit up in 1992. Stern has constantly trumpeted their role in the globalization of the game but he has suggested FIBA should assume a soccer model to use players age 23 and under to participate in the Olympics while letting veterans play in the world championships.

"This is not just a response to Mark Cuban," Stern said recently. "In fact, usually when Mark says something, I try to go the other way, but actually when he is right about something, he may actually be right, and here I think he actually has a point. I really do."

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo contends success on the world stage has spurred improved individual performances and a better overall NBA product.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers went on to win back-to-back NBA championships and LeBron James won back-to-back most valuable player awards after claiming the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

Notes

? The Hornets have matched the Phoenix Suns' four-year, $58 million offer to 23-year-old guard Eric Gordon, keeping the restricted free agent in New Orleans.

? The Charlotte Bobcats have been awarded center Brendan Haywood, 32, off waivers from Dallas.

Source: http://feeds.seattletimes.com/click.phdo?i=a16e32b9363396ff8326c6e474ba278b

april fools day 2012 ja rule amityville horror acm passover recipes 2012 kids choice awards kansas ohio state