LAS VEGAS — The United States says being a little small is really no big deal.

Especially since Dwight Howard is feeling like Superman again.

The Americans opened training camp Monday with their 12-man roster that features only one true center, out to prove that in this case, size doesn't matter.

"It's not a concern really. We all play basketball and that's what it's about," said Chris Bosh, a power forward for the Toronto Raptors who could end up as a backup center in the Olympics.

"If you look at other teams that play in other countries, I think we have a good post player for their post players. Their 5s move out a lot, they shoot the ball a little bit. I mean it really goes hand in hand with everything. We're talented enough to make that small adjustment."

It could mean multiple adjustments. Besides shifting Bosh and Utah's Carlos Boozer to the center spot, LeBron James will also change from his normal NBA position, taking the power forward spot instead of his usual small forward one.

At least the Americans have Howard back where they want him.

The team's lone center is recovered from a stress fracture to the sternum that sidelined him for practice last month, and he participated in the opening of a four-day training camp on Monday. Howard seemed a bit winded after his first 5-on-5 workout since the NBA playoffs, when the Orlando Magic star got hurt against the Detroit Pistons.

"I feel real good out there," Howard said after the closed workout at Valley High School. "I didn't have any problems. I'm looking to get in better shape. I'm just ready to go.

"It feels good just to be able to play again and knowing that it could have been a lot worse," said Howard, who donned a Superman cape to win the NBA All-Star slam-dunk contest.

The Americans expected to have additional big man help in camp, but learned over the weekend that 7-foot-1 Tyson Chandler has an inflamed big toe and will not be available as an alternate. He had been invited to train with the team to keep him prepared in case there was an injury that forced another player off the roster.

"Dwight looked really good," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I asked him afterwards if he experienced any pain. He said no, no hesitation. Obviously, his wind, even though he's been running, it's different when you're playing defense like that."

When they selected the team, the Americans favored shooting and athleticism over size. Krzyzewski said he's not concerned about being short of big men.

"We feel comfortable with Boozer, Bosh (and Howard)," Krzyzewski said.

Krzyzewski said he's prepared to move the 6-foot-8 James to power forward at times. James will start at small forward, but Krzyzewski wants to take advantage of his 250-pound frame and his ability to guard bigger players.