World All-Star Classic to Begin Sunday in Puerto Rico

ESPN

Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant will headline the roster of 18 all-star players, sources said.

The remaining 14 players will be announced Wednesday. LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Carlos Boozer, Tyson Chandler, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo and Chris Kaman are among the candidates.

The first game will be played Sunday, Oct. 30, in San Juan at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. Tickets for the game will go on sale in Puerto Rico Wednesday afternoon.

The next two games will be on Nov. 1 and 3 at the O2 Arena in London. Game 4 will be played Nov. 6 in Macau in the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Hotel, and the tour will close in Melbourne, Australia with games at Rod Laver Arena on Nov. 8 and 9.

Each player will receive a salary, ranging from six figures to $1 million. Many of the proceeds will go towards charity.

Previously Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce were reported as definites, but we'll wait until later today to get the official word. Hopefully KG will also be participating.

5:21 PM Updated: Stars Abandoning Tour

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul have decided not to play in the World All-Star Classic, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.


While Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Amare Stoudemire are still committed to playing, the absence of James, Anthony and Paul could put the entire tour in jeopardy.

A source told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that the defections have caused Kevin Durant to waver on his participation in the tour.

The trio is the second group of players to withdraw from the global tour.

Reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook both decided not to make the trips overseas.