Wanted: Olympic basketball players.(NBA)

Yao Ming doesn't have a choice. Coming from China, he's obligated to play for his home country in the Olympics regardless of how worn out he might be now or will be in the future. That's not the case, of course, for the players invited to spend August in Athens by USA Basketball. They're free to say "yes," "no" or--as seems to be the case for many--"let me think about it." USA Basketball was hoping to have its final roster last week, but wedding bells, banged-up bodies and concerns about security at the Games--not to mention one well-publicized sexual assault case--delayed their decisions. A source close to the selection committee says Tim Duncan, Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson are the only certain participants at this point. Throw in Richard Jefferson, who reportedly was invited last month, and the U.S. has enough for a starting lineup. Finding seven players to fill out the roster, however, will take a while.

They're out

Kobe Bryant. His invitation has not been rescinded but until his sexual assault case has been resolved, can you imagine the USOC allowing him to represent America? The team reports July 26 to Jacksonville, Fla. His trial might not begin until September. Not even Bryant can make that schedule work in his favor.

Vince Carter. At least his fiancee believes ...