Still bothered by a sore left foot, Chris Bosh will not play for the United States at the upcoming FIBA Americas tournament.
The Toronto Raptors 6-10 forward is being hobbled by plantar fasciitis — a painful condition caused by the inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
The ailment bothered Bosh more than he let on last season, limiting his ability to practice, according to reports.
Bosh will remain on the team and under consideration for a spot if the U.S. qualifies for the 2008 Olympics. His withdrawal leaves the Americans with 15 players.
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich and Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier both withdrew for personal reasons Monday. Portland Trail Blazers centre Greg Oden, still recovering from tonsillitis, is also unavailable.
Still, the American team will be loaded with top-flight talent.
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd and Amaré Stoudemire will all be on the American team, coached by NCAA legend Mike Krzyzewski.
The FIBA Americas tournament runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2 in Las Vegas. Ten teams from North and South America will compete in the tournament with the two top squads earning berths in next summer's Beijing Olympics.
The rest of the field includes Canada, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina.
