LAS VEGAS - Amare Stoudemire will not play for the United States at next month's World Championships because of problems insuring his contract, a damaging blow to the Americans on the day training camp opened.

The New York Knicks' new forward was expected to be one of the Americans' top players in Istanbul, Turkey, but the team learned of the change of plans on Tuesday.

The Knicks asked Stoudemire to pull out on Monday night and he understood, though he was looking forward to rejoining the team after playing for the Americans in the 2007 Olympic qualifying tournament. He could still play in the 2012 Olympics if the insurance issues are worked out.