Stephen Curry at Olympics 2016 in Rio Won't Happen: NBA MVP Decides to Skip Summer Games
Golden State Warriors star guard and two-time league MVP Stephen Curry has announced he will not be competing for Team USA in the upcoming 2016 Summer Games in Brazil.
Curry, who is presently halfway on his way to leading the champion Warriors to back to back NBA titles, cited knee and ankle ailments as his primary reasons for remaining on the sidelines.
"After a great deal of internal thought and several discussions with my family, the Warriors and my representatives, I've elected to withdraw my name from the list of eligible players on Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2016 Summer Games in Brazil," Curry said in a statement.
Stephen Curry statement regarding USA Basketball & 2016 Summer Olympics: pic.twitter.com/sBF4eVrIyH
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) June 6, 2016
Curry Has Already Missed Four Playoff Games
Already, the sharpshooting veteran's list of ailments has caused him to miss four postseason games and some have speculated it's been a factor in limiting him to an average of just 15 points per game against the Cleveland Cavaliers over the first two games of the Finals. The Warriors lead the series 2-0.
"Since Steph's recent injuries, I've been in contact with him and I was aware that this decision was a strong possibility," USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo said in a statement. "We appreciate Steph and his agent, keeping USA Basketball updated on his decision process."
The official 12-man Team USA roster is expected to be released later this month, with the team convening in Las Vegas in mid-July to begin a training camp that spans nearly a week and wraps with a July 22, exhibition game at a site to be announced against 2004 Olympic champion Argentina.
The Americans are heavy favorites among the 12-team field that competes in Rio from Aug. 6 to 21. Overall, Team USA boasts a 75-1 record under coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is making his Team USA farewell in these Games before giving way to veteran San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
Rio Team Headlined by Biggest Stars
Besides Curry, New Orleans Anthony Davis (injury) and the L.A. Clippers Blake Griffin and Chris Paul (rest) have also withdrawn. Among those expected to comprise the roster are LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Kawhi Leonard.
Meanwhile, Colangelo recently told reporters no players have withdrawn from consideration based on Brazil's growing Zika virus concerns.
Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol recently announced he plans to skip playing for Spain because of concerns over the virus and claimed other athletes have told him they plan to take the same precautions.
"Some of these athletes are planning to have children in the near future and this could affect them, it could affect the health of their kids and their wives," he said. "Their health should come first."
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