Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson and Vince Carter are just a few of the NBA stars not participating in next month's FIBA World Basketball Championships.

	Michael Jordan hasn't suited up for Team USA since the 1992 Olympics.

But according to a report in The Chicago Tribune, the NBA might call upon one of its biggest stars to save the day.

Citing committee sources, the newspaper reported that USA Basketball has privately approached Michael Jordan about joining the team as it prepares to open training camp Friday in San Francisco.

Along with O'Neal, Iverson and Carter, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett have all decided not to participate in the championships, which could leave the U.S. team vulnerable to a first-time loss in international competition and low ticket sales with games in Indianapolis.

Committee insiders told the Tribune they believe it is a long shot that Jordan would be interested in playing. But they approached MJ with the thought that his participation could lead to a possible appearance in the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece.

Players like Larry Bird in 1992 finished their careers by participating in the Olympics. The committee insiders also told the newspaper another plus for Jordan was that playing in the championships would get him into better shape if he does decide to return to the Washington Wizards this upcoming season.

The United States opens the tournament on Aug. 29 vs. Algeria.