Rio Olympics 2016 News: Washington Wizards Superstar John Wall Unsure of Spot on USA Basketball Roster
John Wall wants to play in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but the Washington Wizards point guard is unsure about his chances of making the final roster for the Summer Games.
Wall was one of several point guards who were invited to attend the USA Basketball three-day minicamp in Las Vegas last week. While there are lots of things that could happen between now and the 2016 Rio Olympics, Wall is convinced his chances of making the USA roster is not too good.
Wall told CSN Washington that fellow point guards Chris Paul is a shoo-in because the Los Angeles Clippers point guard has already won an Olympic gold medal, while Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving helped the team win the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. He also thinks Russell Westbrook will get a spot on the roster.
"Chris Paul has already won one," Wall said. "Steph Curry had an amazing last year and just won the World Cup. Kyrie just won the World Cup. Russell will probably be on the team. They'll use him as a two-guard. So, I probably won't make it."
Wall said that he is still determined to give it a try, but he admitted that he needs to impress in the upcoming season because USA Basketball might not conduct another minicamp next year, where dark horses like him get a chance to prove they are worthy of a spot on the final roster.
"That's why a lot of people went, to make sure they get invited to the mini-camp," Wall added. "That will be the tough part. If you don't have mini-camp, you have to play well during the season."
The former Kentucky standout was also considered for the final roster before the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, but he was eventually cut from the roster in favor of Curry, Irving and Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, who decided to skip the minicamp this year and will not play in Rio in next year.
"It's tough, but I've been overlooked my whole career," Wall said. "I'm used to it. Just more motivation and fuel to my fire."
Wall, who will be entering his sixth year in the league in the upcoming 2015-16 NBA season, is coming off another stellar season for the Wizards. The 24-year-old guard averaged 17.6 points to go along with career-highs 10.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.
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