Mike D'Antoni will not serve as an assistant coach for the United States team of NBA stars at the World Basketball Championships because of back problems.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo announced Tuesday that NBA Toronto Raptors coach Jay Triano will replace D'Antoni on the staff of US coach Mike Krzyzewski for the global showdown August 28-September 12 in Turkey.
"My back has been something I have been periodically dealing with and after the July Las Vegas training camp I realized I need to get it better so I can be ready for the approaching NBA season," said D'Antoni, coach of the NBA's New York Knicks.
"I regret not being able to be with the team through the World Championship, I wish them the best of luck."
D'Antoni will work with the US squad during its seven-day training camp that starts next Tuesday in New York. Triano will join the team in New York and take D'Antoni's spot for exhibitions in Spain and Greece and in Turkey.
"We will miss Mike on our trip," Colangelo said. "He has been a big part of this program, but we know he'll be with us in spirit. We all realize this is what is best for him and we hope that he's feeling better soon."
Copyright 2010 AFP American Edition
