Steph Curry To Miss The Rio Olympics
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- It may be a case of where the spirit is willing, but the body just is not when it comes to Golden State Warriors great Steph Curry playing in the Rio Olympics this summer.
The Golden State Warriors issued a statement Monday from Curry saying he was withdrawing his name from consideration for the Rio Olympics team.
"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's statement read.
"I recently informed Jerry Colangelo (head of USA Basketball) of this decision. My previous experiences with USA Basketball have been incredibly rewarding, educational and enjoyable, which made this a difficult decision for me and my family. However, due to several factors -- including recent ankle and knee injuries -- I believe this is the best decision for me at this stage in my career."
Curry has suffered a variety of injuries in the post season including a sprained ankle, a right knee MCL sprain and an injured elbow. The MCL sprain in Game 4 of the opening round series against Houston sidelined him for six playoff games.
The Golden State star's withdrawal came just two days after he told reporters he was looking forward to playing in the Olympics.
On Saturday, during the NBA media availability, Curry was asked about Rio by a reporter from Brazil.
"I haven't thought much about it right now because obviously I'm fighting for the Larry O'Brien Trophy (given to the NBA champs)," he told the reporter.
"Every time I've played for Team USA in the past starting way back when I was 19 to the last two World Championships, it's always been a huge honor to represent your country and to team up with other guys and play against the best competition in the world. You have a sense of pride wearing USA across your chest. "
"I've never played in the Olympics and that's what this is geared up to," he added. "It's definitely a special accomplishment to be on the team so I've enjoyed every minute of play for Team USA whatever competition I have been in."
"I have heard … the sense of pride you get when you are out there at the opening ceremonies and actually playing at the event is second to anything so I'm looking forward to it."
While Curry might not be going, a source close to Golden State's Draymond Green told the San Jose Mercury News that the gifted power forward would be more than willing to go.
Fellow Warriors Klay Thompson, who was also a member of the World Championship team last summer, has not commented on his availability for the Games.
