Lookout world, Big Ben is coming. The Detroit forward confirmed Tuesday that he had agreed to participate in this summer's Olympic Games in Athens.

Wallace was among the N.B.A. All-Stars who played on the United States team that finished sixth in the 2002 world championships in Indianapolis.

"That was just one of those things," said Wallace, a two-time defensive player of the year, who was averaging 15.4 rebounds in the conference finals. "They just threw a group of guys together and expected us to run through the competition."

Several United States athletes in a variety of sports have decided not to go to Athens because of security concerns.

"It's something you definitely think about," Wallace said. "But I don't think they're going to let us go out there if it's not safe. At least, I would hope that."

At the morning shoot-around, Brown said it was his understanding that Philadelphia point guard Allen Iverson still intended to go the Olympics. Brown said USA Basketball was scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday, when Jason Kidd, Tracy McGrady, Karl Malone and Mike Bibby were expected to be officially ruled out. Brown said Richard Hamilton, Ron Artest, Michael Redd and Eddie Jones were possible candidates for the team.