They’ve led the Wizards to consecutive playoff appearances. Now Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison can do something else together: Take on the world.
Arenas and Jamison both made the U.S. national team’s 15-man traveling roster for next month’s world championships. However, only 12 will be on the roster for the world championships in Asia.
The roster also includes LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Bruce Bowen, Elton Brand, Dwight Howard, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Amare Stoudemire, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Paul.
“This week was more about putting in the foundation for a system and building camaraderie,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “We accomplished that this week, and now we have to start doing some more basketball stuff so we look like we know what we’re doing.”
Arenas and Jamison played together in Golden State and made the All-Star team together in 2005.
“It is special for both of us because in Golden State we were labeled as selfish,” Arenas said. “We’ve grown into All-Stars in Washington. We became team players. We became leaders and now together, we are becoming Olympians.”
Jamison was a mild surprise. But, when Shawn Marion hurt his knee during workouts, it created an opening for Jamison.
“I just showed them how versatile I am,” he said. “It’s not just one thing I did best, but I was able to show them my all-around game. Defensively, I surprised some people. I was able to defend the big guys but also was able to contain some of the guards.”
Both called it a dream come true. Arenas said he had a poster ofthe original 1992 Dream Team.
“I had a Penny Hardaway jersey, a Grant Hill jersey,” he said. “Now it’s my turn; someone’s going to be wearing my jersey.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
