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ESPN: Getting the USA Men's Senior National team roster down to a manageable number of 15 for the trip to Asia next month became a bit easier Monday when Shawn Marion pulled out because of a left knee injury.
Marion told ESPN.com that he won't make the trip to Japan for the World Championships after Monday's final training camp practice at UNLV's Cox Pavilion. Players who don't make the trip aren't being cut from the overall national team program, which is a three-year commitment.
The 15 players who likely will return to Las Vegas on July 31 for exhibition games will be announced Tuesday morning at the Wynn Hotel. The Americans don't have to submit a final roster of 12 players until 24 hours before the first game in Japan on Aug. 19, according to USA spokesperson Craig Miller.
Marion's departure trims the roster down to 17, leaving two more possible cuts -- likely Seattle point guard Luke Ridnour and former Gonzaga forward and Charlotte Bobcats first-round draft pick Adam Morrison. That means the 15 players likely to travel to Asia are: Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Bruce Bowen, Elton Brand, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Chris Paul, Amare Stoudemire, Dwyane Wade and Kirk Hinrich. The coaching staff will meet Tuesday morning before the news conference to make the final call. Ridnour looks to lose out to Chicago's Hinrich, and Morrison is up against veteran options.
