Written by AJ Neuharth-Keusch at USA TODAY.com
Back-to-back NBA MVP Stephen Curry has withdrawn from consideration for a spot on the USA Basketball roster in this summer’s Olympics in Rio.
“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 released by the Warriors. “I recently informed (USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo) of this decision.”
Curry — who is just two games away from leading the Golden State Warriors to a second consecutive championship — suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in the Warriors’ first-round series with the Houston Rockets and missed four games, but has been given his usual workload in 11 games since. He won a gold medal with USA Basketball in both the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Cups, but has yet to play in Olympic competition.
“My previous experiences with USA Basketball have been incredibly rewarding, educational and enjoyable, which made this an extremely difficult decision for me and my family,” Curry continued. “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. It’s an incredible honor to represent your country and wear ‘USA’ on your chest, but my primary basketball-related objective this summer needs to focus on my body and getting ready for the 2016-17 NBA season.”
With the field of 31 finalists yet to be narrowed down to the official 12-man roster, Curry was as much a lock as anyone to suit up in the red, white and blue this summer. He joins Chris Paul, Anthony Davis and Blake Griffin as All-Star finalists who will miss the Games due to injury concerns.
After Curry announced his withdrawal, Colangelo released a statement regarding the MVP’s Olympic status.
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