Rondo withdrawal gives U.S. team final roster

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Boston Celtics guard Rajon  Rondo has withdrawn from the U.S. national team for family  reasons, clearing the way for the final world championship  roster to be set, USA Basketball said yesterday.

“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 in a statement.

Rondo had started two exhibition games but did not play in  Sunday’s contest against Spain.

With Rondo’s withdrawal, the team was able to finalize  their roster to 12 players before the world championships get  underway in Turkey on Aug. 28.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant leads the team.

Other forwards are Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies), Danny  Granger (Indiana Pacers) and Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia  76ers).

Joining Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) at guard are  Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Eric Gordon (Los Angeles  Clippers), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) and Russell Westbrook  (Oklahoma City).

Centers are Tyson Chandler(Dallas Mavericks), Kevin Love  (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers).