 Wallace is well known for his defensive ability |
NBA stars Ben Wallace and Richard Hamilton have pulled out of the US Olympic team for Athens, citing safety concerns among their reasons. Wallace initially said he would accept an invitation but began to express fears following the threat of terror attacks in Greece.
The absence of the Detroit Pistons pair is likely to hurt the Olympic team.
They join a host of stars who have turned down the chance to play at the Games, which run from 13-29 August.
Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, Mike Bibby, Vince Carter, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant have also refused to take part.
Among those who have agreed to participate are LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson and Jermaine O'Neal.
Carmelo Anthony is still considering whether to compete in the team, which will be coached by Pistons' Larry Brown.
Wallace and Hamilton also claimed fatigue from their run to the NBA title was responsible for their decision not to play.
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