NBA MVP Stephen Curry will not represent Team USA in Rio Olympics
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 06/06/16 8:10pm
NBA star Stephen Curry will not play in the Olympics after pulling out of the USA basketball team.
Curry, who helped Golden State take a 2-0 lead over Cleveland in the NBA finals on Sunday, said he has decided to pull out for "several factors including recent ankle and knee injuries".
The point guard is the highest-profile absence for the two-time defending gold medalists, who will already be missing NBA All-Stars Chris Paul and Anthony Davis.
Curry has won a pair of world titles with USA and was a starter when they won the 2014 Basketball World Cup.
The 28-year-old had spoken of wanting the chance to win Olympic gold, but missed six games in the post-season with a right knee injury.
Curry said in statement: "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. I recently informed Jerry Colangelo of this decision."
"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.
"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 honour 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."
