In 2010, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo made huge news by withdrawing from Team USA's FIBA World Championship squad because of personal reasons. On Tuesday, we got word that Rondo will also not be on the 2012 USA Olympic basketball team.
According to a report from Seridan Hoops, the Boston Celtics point guard was left off the Team USA roster that will be participating in the 2012 Olympic games in London, England. The point guards that will make up the roster are Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Chauncey Billips.
As for the rest of the squad that will going to London; LaMarcus Aldridge, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Durant, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Lamar Odom and Dwyane Wade will also be representing the red white and blue in England.
As for Rondo's absence, it doesn't really come as a surprise. There's no denying the talent, but the commitment and relationship with his fellow countrymen teammates was the issue. Rondo had this to say in 2010 after he withdrew his name from Team USA's roster:
"It's what's best for the country," said Rondo, who said his DNP-CD (did not play -- coach's decision) on Sunday was his first since his rookie NBA season. "It's part of it. We knew coming in it was still tryouts until we make the team that goes to Turkey." (via ESPN)
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