Bibby declined his 'Dream Team' chance

Sacramento guard Mike Bibby has told USA Basketball he will not play in the Athens Olympics.

His decision leaves only two of the original nine NBA selections on the squad - San Antonio forward Tim Duncan and Philadelphia guard Allen Iverson.

"A lot of things came into play in terms of me making my decision," Bibby said.

The Sacramento Bee newspaper reported he had told US officials he needed more time to rest and recuperate after the NBA season.

But several stars have pulled out of the team amid security fears.

The other players to drop out are Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, Ray Allen, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.

USA Basketball has announced that Duncan and Iverson will be joined by NBA Rookie of the Year LeBron James, Richard Jefferson, Amare Stoudamire, Shawn Marion and Stephon Marbury.

Other names often mentioned to fill out US and NBA finalist Detroit coach Larry Brown's Olympic roster include rookie stars Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade plus veterans Reggie Miller and Ron Artest.

The US team opening training camp 26 June at Jacksonville, Florida, with a busy pre-Olympic exhibition schedule before the Games, which run from 13-29 August.