“That’s a dream I always had as a kid”. LeBron James could choose to sit out the 2016 Olympics after playing in the last three.
Advertisement
Andrew Bogut, a three-time Olympian for Australia, said he now remains “100 percent committed” to Rio – but wants time to study the issue after the Finals. Since 2007, he has played for FIBA and is a two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist. Forwards Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge are also unavailable, leaving DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan as big men options.
USA media reports speculated Curry’s withdrawal may be linked to his upcoming free agency in 2017, when he will be able to negotiate a new contract likely to make him one of the league’s highest earners. He made 43.8 percent of his attempts then from the shorter worldwide 3-point arc, and the Americans will miss his shooting against the zone defenses they face. USA Basketball announced a 30-strong list of candidates for the Olympic team in January, although point guards Chris Paul and John Wall have removed themselves for consideration.
“However, due to several factors – including recent ankle and knee injuries – I believe this is the best decision for me at this stage of my career”.
Both Curry and Thompson have been relatively quiet through the first two games of the 2016 NBA Finals, averaging close to 14 and 13 points per game, respectively.
There are also players who are unsure about their participation in the Olympics.
“I relish the opportunity to be in the pool of guys, to possibly play”. And then you’ve got malaria and you’ve got Zika. “These are the cards that are dealt”. Golden State has won the first two games by margins of 15 points and 33 points.
Contrary to the degree of counter-current from former players who’ve suggested the success of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors is little more than the result of the forgiving nature of modern day rules and lackluster defense, former Detroit Pistons shooting guard and NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing cut straight to the chase when it came to describing unanimous MVP Stephen Curry.
Reports surfaced earlier on Monday that Curry was set to pull out of contention to allow his knee to heal.
Not even Zika worries will deter Klay Thompson from playing in the Olympics if asked.
Advertisement
American Curry, 28, has broken individual records in helping Golden State reach the NBA Finals.
