Will Chauncey Billups be 2012’s Jason Kidd?
The Nuggets guard will join the pool of 27 players at the Team USA training in Las Vegas, where the roster will be determined for the 2010 World Championships, the steppingstone to the 2012 London Olympics.
The Mavericks’ Kidd was a key member of the 2008 Olympic champs, providing leadership as a point guard.
“Chauncey indicated to us that there’s nothing that he would want more than to win a gold medal before his career is over, and we collectively feel he could very well fit right into the Jason Kidd role,” Team USA chairman Jerry Colangelo said. “He’s a veteran who can play at a very high level at his age and is well-respected by his peers. We’re very happy and excited that he wants to give it one more shot.”
Also on this year’s Team USA roster is Nuggets all-star Carmelo Anthony.
The World Championships are Aug. 28-Sept. 12. New Orleans guard Chris Paul is undergoing knee surgery and is out for a couple months. Utah guard Deron Williams will return and other point guards in the mix are the Bulls’ Derrick Rose, the Clippers’ Eric Gordon and the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook. Billups is 33 years old.
As for the World Championships, Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said: “We believe it’s extremely important. The world looks at it as the world championships. There are 24 teams involved where only 12 involved for the Olympics. We’re trying to make that commitment to USA basketball, and us showing that commitment, it will give it greater recognition.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
