Celtics Rondo to Las Vegas for TEAM USA

Special to Boston Celtics fans-  I’m a transplanted Bostonian to Las Vegas, Nevada.  While Vegas/Nevada may not have a professional sports team, my loyalties still revolve around Boston. (but more about that later). This week I’m excited to report that Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is coming to Las Vegas to train with Team USA. Las Vegas doesn’t lack for fans; residents and tourists alike. This summer finds the NBA Summer League whetting the appetite of basketball lovers trying to beat our recent hot spell by showcasing the emerging NBA talent sizzle. The twenty spots available are split between senior NBA players and the top players during training.
TEAM USA and Olympic coach Mike K. arrive at the Thomas and Mack July 19th through the 24th.  Three new roster adds include Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo at point guard, Phoenix center Robin Lopez and Dallas’ Tyson Chandler also at center. The team of 20 players will compete for a chance to play for the Americans in the world championships.
Team USA usually includes recent Olympic gold medalists, however none of the 2008 Olympic stars are playing in the international competition for personal or health reasons. Other NBA stars to watch for this week in Vegas include:  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City’s Thunder, Amare Stoudemire, Derrick Rose and Andre Iguodala.

Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the USA team believes the addition of Rondo, Chandler and Lopez add depth to key positions designed to build the best team possible. After Las Vegas the team regroups in New York City for additional training before making the trip to Turkey for the World Championship; Aug. 28-Sept. 12.

Special to Yawkeytalkies.com from one Boston sportsfan to all the others, especially those of us land-locked in Las Vegas.

Watch for more this week on Rajon Rondo’s USA TEAM performance.