The last time Rajon Rondo and USA Basketball got together, the relationship didn't end wellwhat with Rondo not getting along with his teammates (surprise!), finding himself on the verge of being cut and pre-emptively abandoning the team in Turkey.
This was back in the fall of 2010, as Team USA prepared for the World Championships, and at the time, we assumed that Rondo prematurely parting ways with the team wouldn't bode well for his chances of representing his country at the 2012 London Games. Furthermore, we didn't know if Rondoin the eyes of Team USAwas even good enough to make the team, or if he was even interested in playing to begin with. Either way, there appeared to be a better chance of Rondo winning this year's 3-Point Contest than there was of him suiting up for the Red, White and Blue.
Anyway, whatever suspense there was is now over. As Rondoaccording to Chris Sheridanhas been left off the preliminary roster:
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Here's the 19-man list, as reported by Sheridan.
LaMarcus Aldridge
Carmelo Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Chris Bosh
Kobe Bryant
Tyson Chandler
Kevin Durant
Eric Gordon
Blake Griffin
Dwight Howard
Andre Iguodala
LeBron James
Kevin Love
Lamar Odom
Chris Paul
Derrick Rose
Dwyane Wade
Russell Westbrook
Deron Williams
As you can see, there are five true point guards on the list, and if we're being honest, Chauncey Billups is the only one you'd consider passing over for Rondo. Then again, Billups' range probably better suits him for the international gameeven at the ripe old age of 72.
Anyway, I'd call this a tough break for Rondo, but that's assuming he even cares.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine