Warriors' Stephen Curry Says Passing on 2021 Tokyo Olympics Was a 'Hard Decision'

Blake SchusterContributor IJuly 8, 2021

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 12: Stephen Curry of USA Mens National Team participates in minicamp at UNLV on August 12, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said he has no regrets on declining an opportunity to play with Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, but the decision was far from easy.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, the guard said he's taking the time to enjoy his summer after the shortest offseason in NBA history last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While he's already back on the court working out, Curry said joining Team USA in Tokyo just "wasn't right for me."

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steph Curry said it was a "hard decision" to pass on the Olympics: "I do value the offseason. I am working out, back on the court. But to try to go and play, there's a lot that can happen...It just wasn't right for me. Very confident in that decision. No regrets."

Curry previously played for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup in 2010 and 2014, winning gold in both tournaments.

This is the second consecutive Olympic games Curry has opted out of. He withdrew from the 2016 team that won gold at the Rio Games due to ailing knees and ankles.

Considering Curry has played only 137 games over the last three seasons, it make sense he would want a full offseason to recover, especially after the Warriors failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Over 63 contests in 2020-21, Curry averaged a career-high 32.0 points, 5.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game.

The guard didn't explain much about his offseason routine on Thursday, but there's plenty of time for him to ramp up activities before training camp opens in late September.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

In the meantime, Team USA shouldn't miss Curry too much.

The national team led by head coach Gregg Popovich features Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Jerami Grant, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Zach LaVine, among others. They are currently the odds-on favorites to win the gold medal, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, which lists Team USA at -1000 (bet $1000 to win $100). Spain and Australia have the next-best odds at +1200 and +1600, respectively.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.

v v