Richard Jefferson to Athens

JEFFERSON NAMED TO ATHENS DREAM TEAM

April 11, 2004 -- A potentially volatile situation was defused. And then it was completely overshadowed when Richard Jefferson was selected to replace Vince Carter on the U.S. Olympic Team and promptly accepted the invitation for the Athens Games, The Post has learned.
Jefferson, who was a member of the U.S. qualifying team that competed in Puerto Rico last summer, was chosen by the USA Basketball committee over candidates such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, three rising stars who were thought to have the inside track. Jefferson was one of three Nets in Puerto Rico and although his role was limited, he insisted he wanted to return even if it meant playing less time.

The invitation was extended and accepted Friday before Jefferson, partly frustrated, partly angry after a defeat and partly tired, questioned the wisdom of playing heavy minutes back-to-back in what was an apparent meaningless game. So Nets coach Lawrence Frank spoke with his young and talented star yesterday. Situation normal, all fixed up.

Jefferson's been playing well this season and has had some excellent games in Kidd's absence, but I still miss the days of the old Dream Teams, loaded with stars right down to the 12th player.

Kidd was asked to name America's Top PG's other than himself and Bibby...His answer : "Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis."

Will they be picked....I hope STeve gets to go out with Team USA and hopefully come back as a more mature player- I think he may be calling it quits in Houston!

Kidd was asked to name America's Top PG's other than himself and Bibby...His answer : "Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis."

Will they be picked....I hope STeve gets to go out with Team USA and hopefully come back as a more mature player- I think he may be calling it quits in Houston!

Where was this in, and is it in an article, if so can you give me the link, thanks.

It was on an espn.com article in the Olympic Section...Not exactly phrased by the way..it was more like this:

"Jason Kidd, the starting Point Guard for Team USA, is growing uncertain about his involvement in Athens this year. He said, "If I can't play, I won't go."

Kidd was then asked who were America's Top Point Guards, other than Bibby or himself and his reply was Steve Francis and Baron Daivs"

no respect for payton or marbury?

Kidd was asked to name America's Top PG's other than himself and Bibby...His answer : "Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis."

Will they be picked....I hope STeve gets to go out with Team USA and hopefully come back as a more mature player- I think he may be calling it quits in Houston!

I can't believe he left out GP, his childhood mentor. Yeah he's old, but he can still be great when given the chance. I'd really think that Kidd would show respect to the guy who him roughed him up into the player he is today. I'd like to see GP in the Olympics one last time. If Karl can go for three, then so can Gary.