McDyess Going To Sydney

Denver Nuggets forward Antonio McDyess has been invited to join the U.S. Olympic basketball team, replacing injured Tim Duncan.

Making the Olympic team has been a goal for McDyess, who was disappointed he didn't make the original Olympic roster.

"For Antonio, this was definitely a dream of his ..." Nuggets forward George McCloud said.

"I know it is something he felt he deserved. He is one of the top three power forwards in the league ... He is going to get ... an opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world. It will give him more confidence going into next year to help our team."

McDyess was in his hometown of Quitman, Miss., when he got the message he was invited to join the team Thursday.

McDyess has averaged 17.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game during his five-year NBA career. He was a third-team all-NBA selection last year.

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