We already mentioned that Team USA is interested in Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, but apparently Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace are also being considered:
Jerry Colangelo, head of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team, told The News he is considering four Pistons for a possible spot on the team that will play in the World Championships this summer and in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He has had brief discussions with Hamilton and Prince. He is also interested in talking to Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace.
"I have had conversations with Chauncey's agent (AndyMiller)," Colangelo said. "We are interested in a couple of Andy's guys. One of the concerns about Chauncey is that his wife is pregnant and could be having the baby this summer. He may or may not be able to participate because of that."
Billups had said over the weekend he had not heard from Team USA, but that was because Miller had yet to deliver the message.
Colangelo is trying to make contact with as many as 35 players.
He wants to make telephone contact first, then have a face-to-face meeting with each one to determine the strength of his commitment.
I'd really like to see Chauncey and Rip in the backcourt together in Beijing. After the debacle that was the 2004 Olympics in Athens, a steady backcourt that knows how to play with each other could have a calming effect on the entire team.
Billups considered [Detroit News]