Blake Griffin to be considered candidate for USA Olympic team
Blake Griffin’s name has been mentioned as one of the candidates who will be considered to try out for the USA Basketball team that will play in the 2012 Olympics in London.
The Clippers star said after practice Saturday that he hasn’t heard from anyone yet, but that if he gets the call that he gladly will participate in the tryouts.
Jerry Colangelo, the director of USA Basketball, has been talking to several NBA players about playing in the Olympics. Colangelo has to announce his 18-man roster that will be considered candidates for the team by Jan. 18.
Griffin wasn’t on the 2008 Olympic team or the 2010 world championship team, but the 6-foot-10 star has become one of the NBA’s top players in a short time.
“It’s great to be considered to play for your country in the Olympics,” Griffin said. “But that’s a long ways away. If it happens, I’ll be grateful and I would be proud to try and represent our country. But right now I’ve got a season to worry about.”
Griffin is averaging 25.2 points and 9.6 rebounds after five games for the Clippers this season.
He averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds last season, a season in which he was named the NBA’s rookie of the year and won the slam dunk contest during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
RELATED:
Clippers remain focused despite new attention
Clippers changing their culture from the inside out
Letters: Don't trip over the hype surrounding Clippers
-- Broderick Turner
Photo: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin elevates for a basket over Bulls guard Kyle Krover and forward Taj Gibson during a game last week at Staples Center. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
