Le Bron James heading for Olympics
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado -- Teenage sensation LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers was among five NBA stars added to the USA squad for the Athens Olympics.
James, guards Stephon Marbury of the New York Knicks and Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets, and Phoenix forwards Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion on Friday rounded out the 12-man squad.
James was NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 79 games for the Cavs.
Seattle Supersonics guard Ray Allen withdrew from the team because of a family matter.
The five newcomers join guards Mike Bibby of the Sacramento Kings, Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers, Jason Kidd of the Nets and Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic.
Superstar center Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs patrols the middle, alongside forwards Karl Malone of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jermaine O'Neal of the Indiana Pacers.
The squad is backcourt-heavy, meaning James could see extended time at small forward.
Anywhere he plays, the 19-year-old sensation is sure to contribute to the American team, which has won each of the last three Olympic gold medals.
He joined the league directly out of high school as one of the most hyped young players in history.
"It's a dream come true for me to represent my country," said James, who will become the youngest male basketball player to represent the US since Spencer Haywood in 1968.
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, who helped James form the best 1-2 rookie punch since Larry Bird and Magic Johnson joined the league, was not picked for the Olympic team.
The other four selections announced Friday gives the United States athletic bodies with various skills.
Marbury is a playmaker who can score, Jefferson and Marion are at their best running the floor, and Stoudemire eats up space in the paint.
"I watched the 'Dream Team' and I can remember as far back as when (Drazen) Petrovic played (in 1988), so to be an Olympian feels like I achieved a life-long accomplishment," Marbury said.
A lot has changed since Bird and Johnson led the first American Dream Team to the 1992 gold medal in Barcelona.
Two years ago, the Americans finished sixth in the World Championships, losing their first three games - after 58 wins - since NBA players began representing their countries in 1992.
They were forced to qualify for Athens in the FIBA Americas tournament.
The United States team begins training July 26 in Florida.
Its first-round game in Athens is August 15 against Puerto Rico. The medal games are August 28.
