Rajon Rondo wasn't feeling comfortable about his status on Team USA, saying, "I think I'm on the bubble," and apparently it was for good reason: the 12-man roster was announced Tuesday afternoon for the 2010 FIBA World Championships, and notably absent was the Celtics point guard.
Initial reports had Rondo getting cut, a fate he began to fear after he did not play against Spain on Sunday, but it isn't quite that simple. Rondo actually asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration to attend to "family matters," said USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo.
"Rajon came to us and said he was going to withdraw from the team, that he had some family matters to attend to and some things to take care of before the NBA season. He did an outstanding job during our training, we appreciate the effort and commitment he made to our program and he completely has our support."
Rondo's uncle passed away two weeks ago.
In their exhibition schedule, Rondo started the first three games but was replaced by Russell Westbrook in the second half against Lithuania after committing four turnovers in just 14 minutes, and then lost his starting job to Derrick Rose against Spain (Rondo received a DNP for that contest). In all, he averaged 14.8 minutes, 2.7 points and 4.7 assists.
Team USA has one final exhibition game against Greece on Wednesday at 12 P.M EDT before opening the World Championships on Aug. 28, against Croatia.
For more reaction to a Rondo-less Team USA, visit CelticsBlog.