Eric Gordon’s Olympic chances aided by Wade’s absence

The NBA season just recently ended but the Olympic games in London are less than a month away.

Former North Central and Indiana star Eric Gordon will compete for one of twelve spots on Team USA. Gordon’s chances to secure a spot were boosted Thursday with the news that Dwyane Wade needs arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will miss the Olympics.

Managing director Jerry Colangelo told Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida that he isn’t worried about the depth at guard. And he shouldn’t be.

Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook are just about guaranteed to be on the team. Colangelo said Gordon and James Harden will fight for a spot.

The 15 finalists will report to Las Vegas July 5th, with camp opening on the 6th. After three days of camp, the roster will be finalized and cut to 12 on Sunday, the 8th.

Team USA is coached by Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, Jim Boeheim of Syracuse, Mike D’Antoni and Nate McMillian.

UPDATE: from Chris Tomasson via twitter –

Jerry Colangelo just told me nine of the 12 guys for the Olympics team are assured bids. They are Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love, Kevin Durant and Tyson Chandler.

6 players competing for the final 3 spots: Blake Griffin, James Harden, Eric Gordon, Andre Iguodala, Rudy Gay, Anthony Davis

[Photo via Eastbay]