Germany - Names in the Game
Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman might play his first minutes for Germany's national basketball team on Wednesday. Germany hopes to be among three teams to advance to the Beijing Games from next week's Olympic qualifying tournament.
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Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman might play his first minutes for Germany's national basketball team on Wednesday.
Germany hopes to be among three teams to advance to the Beijing Games from next week's Olympic qualifying tournament.
Dirk Nowitzki, Germany's longtime star, gave Kaman a nudge toward getting his German citizenship. The Dallas Mavericks forward, the NBA's MVP in 2007, appears eager for some front-line help.
"Around six months ago, I got ahold of his telephone number," Nowitzki said. "I wanted to see what was possible."
Kaman, who recently gained his passport and citizenship, has German grandparents. He averaged 15.7 points and 12.7 rebounds last season with the Clippers.
Kaman is expected to join the team for Wednesday and Friday warmups against Canada ahead of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens, Greece.
"I expect there to be a little sand in the engine at first," Germany coach Dirk Bauermann said. "But that's not a big problem — I think Chris is one of the five best centers in the world."
Canada's roster features Joel Anthony of the Miami Heat and Samuel Dalambert of the Philadelphia 76ers.