Saturday, July 28, 2007

Greg Oden is leaning toward skipping U.S. training camp next month, a move that possibly will end his chances of playing in the 2008 Olympics.

Oden, the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, had a tonsillectomy July 14 and was forced to miss U.S. minicamp last weekend. He said he probably won't be there when the team reconvenes on Aug. 15.

"I don't think I am because of my tonsils," Oden said.

Oden said he would soon begin working out at his home in Indianapolis; he will be joined by Trail Blazers assistant Bill Bayno.

Oden was invited to practice with the Americans last summer but couldn't play because of a broken wrist. He is unlikely to be a candidate for the roster in Beijing without playing either of the two previous summers.

With Oden and Shane Battier likely out and Nick Collison joining the team next month, the U.S. roster should be at 17 when camp reopens. The roster has to be down to 12 by Aug. 21. . . .

First-round pick Joakim Noah (Florida) and second-rounder Aaron Gray (Pittsburgh) signed with the Bulls. Terms were not released. . . .

Suns guard Raja Bell had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will sidelined four to six weeks. . . .

First-round draft choice Wilson Chandler (DePaul) agreed to terms with the Knicks . . .

The Orange County (Fla.) Commission approved a $1.1 billion project in Orlando that includes a downtown events center with an arena for the Magic. It will open in September 2010.

-- From News Services