Howard's back surgery could affect Team USA process

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard’s back surgery, reportedly scheduled for today, brings to four the number of players among the 20 finalists for Team USA who won't be able to participate at the London Olympics this summer.

“We’ve talked about injuries,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo told FoxSports.com Thursday night, after the Magic confirmed that Howard would have back surgery, ending his season and likely his shot at playing for Team USA. “Obviously, if our ranks are really thinned we wouldn’t rule out adding some additional people. But it’s too early to say that we will do that.”

According to the report, guard Chauncey Billups (torn Achilles) is definitely out, forward LaMarcus Aldridge (hip) is likely out and forward Lamar Odom has been eliminated from consideration after being made inactive the rest of this season by Dallas.

Colangelo is scheduled to meet with coach Mike Krzyzewski and his Team USA staff May 1 in Las Vegas, at which point they’ll discuss adding players to the list of finalists, Colangelo told FoxSports.com.

“That’s only a week-and-a-half away, and we’ll address that,” Colangelo said.

With Howard apparently joining Aldridge and Odom off the list, the only other big men among Team USA finalists are Tyson Chandler, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love (who has been out recently with a concussion) and Blake Griffin.

According to FoxSports.com, Colangelo wouldn’t refer to any specific position but said that USA Basketball would “address it” if the feeling is that the team is thin at a particular spot.

“If there is a candidate out there, we’ll have private discussions,” Colangelo said, while not confirming any specific names. FoxSports.com pointed to Lakers center Andrew Bynum as a potential addition to the list of finalists.

The original 20 finalists were announced in January, but “we’re going to continue to take inventory as to where things stand,” Colangelo said.

In addition to Chandler, Love, Bosh and Griffin, the other Olympic finalists are Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon, Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams.

James and Wade expressed concern for Howard after their team, the Miami Heat, defeated Rose’s Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, while also acknowledging that they don’t expect to play with him in London.

“It sucks, honestly for him, first of all,” James said. “We all know he’s a guy who’s pretty much been durable throughout his NBA career so far, and there for the Magic or our team. He’s a big part of our team in the Olympics, and I hate to lose him because of an injury. I wish him the best and hope he gets back to full strength.”

Added Wade: “It’s very unfortunate, one of the great players in our game. You never want to see anyone go through an injury. Obviously, we’re sure he will bounce back. One thing about this league, we have some of the best doctors and trainers. It’s very unfortunate for him and his family. I’m sure Orlando will miss him and the Olympic team is going to miss him. But the biggest thing is that he gets healthy and he’ll get back to be an amazing player he is for this game.”