NBA stars Ben Wallace and Richard Hamilton have cited safety concerns as one of the reasons they are refusing to join their American compatriots on the US Olympic team.

　　The Detroit Pistons pair also cited fatigue from their run to the NBA title.

　　Pistons coach Larry Brown will coach the United States at the Athens Games in August.

　　Hamilton and Wallace's absence likely will hurt the Olympic team.

　　They join stars Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, Mike Bibby, Vince Carter, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in turning down chances to play in the 2004 Olympics.

　　Among those who have agreed to participate are LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson and Jermaine O'Neal.