Kirk Hinrich Hates America

Okay, so he doesn't hate America, he just doesn't want to play for Team USA.

With the FIBA Tournament of the America's starting tomorrow in Las Vegas, a qualifier for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Hinrich as decided he'd rather not be a part of the team.

Hinrich was a somewhat reluctant participant from the beginning, and USA Basketball announced Monday that he was leaving the team, which begins training for the FIBA Tournament of the Americas on Wednesday in Las Vegas. Also withdrawing were Shane Battier and Greg Oden.

As it says, Kirk was never really all that excited about playing with the team this summer, anyway. But after talking with Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski, he changed his mind and agreed to play for a second straight summer.

Hinrich could still play on the Olympic team if he wants to - he played on the team last summer, so he's still eligible. Of course, now that Jason Kidd and Chauncey Billups are on the roster, I'm not sure how much playing time Kirk would get.

Personally, I'm happy that Hinrich has left the team. I'd rather he spent the whole summer resting in preperation for the upcoming Bulls season than tire himself out playing Trinidad and Tobago or whoever the hell the US would have to destroy before they embarrass themselves in the Olympics yet again.