McDyess in for Duncan

The Olympics are a dream come true for McDyess

Denver Nuggets forward Antonio McDyess is to replace San Antonio Spurs' star Tim Duncan on the US Olympic basketball team.

Duncan withdrew because of a knee injury suffered in April which resulted in surgery and prevented him from participating in the NBA playoffs.

Earlier this month, Duncan signed a three-year, $32.6 million contract to remain with the Spurs.

The 6ft 9in McDyess led the Nuggets in scoring (19.2 average) and rebounding (8.5) last season, his fifth in the NBA.

He ranked 14th in the league in scoring, 16th in rebounding and ninth in field goal percentage (50.7).

Dream

"This is a dream come true," McDyess said. "My goal to play in the NBA began in 1992 watching the USA Olympic Team win the gold medal in Barcelona. I cannot wait to represent my country in Sydney."

McDyess takes on Duncan in the NBA

McDyess was the second overall pick in the 1995 draft and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year following the 1995-96 season.

"Antonio is an outstanding addition to this team," said US coach Rudy Tomjanovich.

"We are going to take full advantage of the incredible athletic abilities of the players on this team by playing an exciting, up-tempo style of game, while looking for our defence to create scoring opportunities as well."

The US team is scheduled to begin training on 26 August in Hawaii, and will play five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics.