USA – Rondo departure leaves USA with final squad

ATHENS (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Rajon Rondo has scaled the heights with the Boston Celtics but he won’t do the same with Team USA this summer in Istanbul after deciding to withdraw from the squad.

The electric point guard, an NBA champion in the 2007-08 campaign, struggled in a win against Lithuania over the weekend and didn’t play in his side’s 86-85 win over Spain on Sunday.

He pulled out of the squad following the Americans’ arrival in Athens, where the side will take on Greece in a friendly on Wednesday.

“Rajon came to us and said he was going to withdraw from the team, that he had some family matters to attend to and some things to take care of before the NBA season,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said.

“He did an outstanding job during our training, we appreciate the effort and commitment he made to our program and he completely has our support.”

Before making his decision, Rondo admitted he may not make the squad.

“I think I’m on the bubble,’’ he said to ESPN.com.

“Just looking at the obvious — I got a DNP (did not play) last game.

“That pretty much speaks for itself.”

Rondo did not sound bitter.

“It’s what’s best for the country,” he said.

“We knew coming in it was still tryouts until we make the team that goes to Turkey.’’

Rondo’s exit means the USA has their final squad, with Derrick Rose and Chauncey Billups now expected to get the majority of minutes at point guard.

Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Lamar Odom, Danny Granger, Kevin Love, Tyson Chandler and Andre Iguodala are also in the squad.

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