LaMarcus Aldridge named finalist for 2012 Team USA Olympics roster
Posted by USA Basketball yesterday:
USA Basketball has named Portland Trail Blazers forward/center LaMarcus Aldridge as a finalist for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, it was announced today.
“LaMarcus has been a guy that USA Basketball has been interested in for a number of years,” said Trail Blazers Head Coach and USA Basketball assistant coach Nate McMillan. “He’s a guy that fits into the style of play that Coach Krzyzewski is looking for, an athletic big man that can run, play defense, shoot the ball, and is versatile enough to play several different positions. I think he would be a great addition to that team.”
Aldridge, 26, is averaging a career-best 22.8 points to go with 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists through 12 games this season.
An All-NBA Third Team selection in 2010-11, Aldridge has career averages of 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.01 blocked shots in six NBA seasons with the Trail Blazers.
The current 20-player roster also includes Carmelo Anthony (New York), Chauncey Billups (L.A. Clippers), Chris Bosh (Miami), Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers), Tyson Chandler (New York), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City), Rudy Gay (Memphis), Eric Gordon (New Orleans), Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Dwight Howard (Orlando), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia), LeBron James (Miami), Kevin Love (Minnesota), Lamar Odom (Dallas), Chris Paul (L.A. Clippers), Derrick Rose (Chicago), Dwyane Wade (Miami), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) and Deron Williams (New Jersey).
The official 12-man U.S. Olympic team roster will be announced later this year. The 2012 Summer Olympics will be held July 27-Aug. 12 in London, England.
photo courtesy of nba.com/blazers
Nicholas Filipas