Chris Kaman had planned to play for Germany for quite sometime, but during the NBA season the opportunity came into question after a series of injuries. He has since fully recovered, and this experience should only help his development, which took a giant leap forward last season.
The Clippers, however, see this opportunity slightly differently. Since they have about $50 million invested in their starting center, they'd much rather he didn't play. They are concerned he might get hurt and affect his season back in LA. But if I recall, Elton Brand got hurt working out with Kaman 1-on-1 last summer. Injuries happen wherever and whenever. You can't really prevent them, and worrying about them doesn't help either.
But from a pure comedy standpoint, it might not get any better than Kaman in Beijing. It's a reality show waiting to happen.
(AP) FRANKFURT, Germany -- Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman has received German citizenship and will team up with Dirk Nowitzki for Germany at an Olympic qualifying tournament later this month.
Kaman, whose great-grandparents were German, averaged 15.7 points and 12.7 rebounds last season with the Clippers.
The 7-foot Kaman will add size to a German team seeking to qualify for its first Olympics since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
"We'll be stronger under the baskets with Chris," Nowitzki said Thursday.
The German team is practicing at home for a warmup tournament before it travels to Greece for the July 14-20 qualifying event in Athens.
"Chris is a significant addition and we'll now have to integrate him in time for the Athens tournament," coach Dirk Bauermann said.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
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