In an interview with FanHouse, Team USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said that only two players from the 2008 Gold Medal Squad are expected to participate in this summer’s national activities. Chris Paul and Deron Williams were the two players Colangelo named and even they may not be on the squad due to injuries they are both recovering from.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd and Jason Kidd are all out of the picture for USA Basketball this summer.

Colangelo cited free agency, injuries, and tireless amounts of basketball as an excuse for the absence of the players mentioned above. Prior to this interview, Colangelo had been rather displeased with players that did not plan to play in the Worlds this summer and even went as far as to say they would not be allowed to play in the 2012 Olympics if they did not attend. However, in this interview, he seems to be more understanding and forgiving.

All of the above players fit into the free agency or injured category except for Anthony and Howard. But Colangelo said he’s willing to give them a “pass” due to the loyalty they’ve shown in the past with USA Basketball.

“We realized that it was impractical (with the free-agency frenzy surrounding some of the top players),” Colangelo said. “And we saw it as an opportunity for our young players … We have an opportunity for our young players to show what they can do.

During the Team USA Basketball Showcase last summer, Deron made an appearance in street clothes to watch the younger NBA players practice and I would expect both he and CP3 to at least attend the event this summer in support. There were reports out of Cleveland that Chris Paul played some pick-up basketball at LeBron James’ Nike camp so he should be healthy enough to play this summer but you never know.

If nobody from 2008 were to return, here is how I would see the roster turning out for the World Championships this summer: Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups, O.J. Mayo, Stephen Curry, Rudy Gay, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Love, Brook Lopez, Lamar Odom and Russell Westbrook.