I think NBA players deserve a rest once the season is over. There shouldn't be any pressure on them to play in the olympics & represent america. It's bad enough they play preseason, 82 regular season games, playoffs. That's a lot of running up & down the court not to mention that they have practices too. That's too much on a person's body. How u think players get injured so much? When a athlete gets up in age, there is only but so much a person's body can take. I think playing in the olympics is too much on a NBA player & i think college basketball players should only play in the olympics. This issue has been debated recently during the NBA games about players playing in the olympics. Jason Kidd said he might not play this yr for america cause he wants to rest after the season which i don't blame him for. So what if college basketball players lost to other countries in the olympics? People still know that america is the best at basketball anyway.

Well, it's up to the players to decide whether or not they want to play in the summer. The players that I can think of didn't show a lot of exhaustion durring the season following the summer olympics, nor did very many of those specific players get injured. I bet most of the players that get invited are honored, and would love to play. I remember KG turning it down last time..but not many others. They should have a solid team for this summer.

I don't blame KG for turning down playing in the olympics. People do deserve to have a life once the season is over. U know black players be wanting to go to the clubs, party, play video games, spend time with their family. They don't really get a chance to do that during the season. U got to have some rest. Like i said playing in the preseason, regular season, playoffs, practicing can wear u out & the body can only take so much. I'm in awe of guys like Karl Malone & Kevin Willis cause for their age, they're in great shape.

If these NBA players do not play then we won't win with just college players who never practiced together. At least at the Pro level you have good players who know what role to play. I dont think they should face a penalty for not playing though.

Why not NBA players. If they want to rest, then decline the invitation to joint team USA. Most athletes think it's an honor and want to compete. Baseball sends minor leaguers. In tennis, all the top players want to play, and their season is 11 months long.

My concern is for safety in Athens. US athletes will be targets, I'm afraid.

Originally posted by mcgwirefan
Why not NBA players. If they want to rest, then decline the invitation to joint team USA. Most athletes think it's an honor and want to compete. Baseball sends minor leaguers. In tennis, all the top players want to play, and their season is 11 months long.

My concern is for safety in Athens. US athletes will be targets, I'm afraid.

I could play a game of tennis everyday for 11 months.*l* I dont think you would consider that a contact sport. Baseball is the same thing to me. You swing and hit a ball. Now with Boxers they compete before they reach the pro ranks.