BOSTON -- With Boston unexpectedly having advanced deep into the postseason, Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said he's leaning toward not playing for USA Basketball this summer."Right now, it's like 60 percent no,'' Perkins said in an interview with FanHouse before Tuesday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Lakers at the TD Garden.
Perkins is one of 31 players who has been named to the Team USA roster, with 12 eventually being picked to play in the Aug. 28-Sept. 12 World Championships in Turkey. While Perkins has been regarded as a long shot for a spot in Turkey, his chances likely were enhanced after it became apparent Orlando star center Dwight Howard, one of the few other traditional low-post players on the roster, might not play.
But Perkins is worried about having too much wear and tear on his body after the Celtics, seeded No. 4 in East, have advanced to the Finals.
Share "Yeah it has,'' Perkins said of his feelings about playing for Team USA having changed since Boston made the Finals. "Just going deep into the playoffs and stuff like that. You never know how things will work out. I just know right after the season, if we go seven games, then it's June 20 (Game 7 would be June 17). Then they start practice July 16 (actually, July 19 in Las Vegas for Team USA). That's a quick turnaround. That's a lot of basketball. That's just something I've got to take into consideration.''
Perkins said he has been wavering about whether to play for Team USA.
"Yeah, in a way,'' Perkins said when asked if he's leaning toward bowing out. "But something in my back of my mind keeps telling me to do it. And something keeps telling me I'm a little tired. So I'm going to try to pick and choose.''
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo wants a three-year commitment from players who want to compete in the 2012 Olympics, although with some USA Basketball veterans and top stars he might be more flexible. But Perkins is well aware that, if he doesn't play this summer, it could hamper his chances for 2012 Olympic consideration.
"Obviously, it's an honor to be a part of,'' Perkins said of playing for Team USA. "But if I don't do it (this summer) and don't come back again (for the 2012 Olympics), I'll still all right. It don't matter. It's cool.''
Perkins, who averaged 10.1 points and 7.2 rebounds during the regular season, is one of just three true centers on USA Basketball's roster, joining Howard and New Jersey's Brook Lopez. Team USA, though, does have Toronto's Chris Bosh (for now, at least), Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire, Minnesota's Al Jefferson, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, New York's David Lee and Minnesota's Kevin Love who could play center.
Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com or on Twitter @christomasson
3 More Arrested In Brutal London Killing
Krugman: There's 'No Room For Independent Thinking' In The Conservative Movement
Marijuana Poll Finds Surprising Level Of Support
French Soldier Stabbed In The Neck In Paris
Spurs A Win Away From Finals
San Antonio Flooding Kills Woman
Teen Arrested Over Plot To Blow Up High School
WATCH: Journalist Slams Obama For 'Embrace Of Total Militarism'
Bombshell Report Alleges Toronto Mayor's Family Ties With Drug World
Happy Memorial Day! 1 In 4 U.S. Workers Get No Vacation, Report Finds
Report: Yahoo Is Bidding On Hulu
Syrian Forces And Hezbollah Launch Artillery Barrage On Key Town
Joe Arpaio Violated Latinos' Rights, Judge Rules
WATCH: Is This A Responsible Use Of Force?
Pharma Giant Accused Of Paying Doctors To Push Drug
Protesters 'March Against Monsanto' In 250 Cities
Friend Of London Attack Suspect Arrested After BBC Interview
LOOK: How Bad Are Your State's Bridges?
CNN Anchor Calls Obama Protester 'Rude' And 'Crazy'
West Shoots Down 'Doubt' About Reemergence
Marine Recruit's Letter Claims Boot Camp Instructors Hurl Anti-Gay Slurs
Abercrombie Announces Plummeting Sales Amid Controversy
LOOK: Why We Celebrate Memorial Day
Fox News Host's Outrageous Comment
Gay Soccer Player Returns To MLS
150 After Battle, Drummer To Recreate Reunion March
Female Suicide Bomber Injures 18 In Russian Region
Sectarian Violence Comes Back To Life In Iraq
Christopher Hayes: London Terror
