Olympic Basketball 2012: Russell Westbrook Will Need to Step Up for Chris Paul

The story thus far for the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team has been injuries. That story continues even as practice starts and final evaluations are being held with Chris Paul leaving practice with an injured thumb.

Among others, ESPN Los Angeles reported via Twitter that Paul was forced out of practice.

"

Paul exits first U.S. practice with thumb injury espn.go.com/olympics/summe…

— ESPNLosAngeles (@ESPNlosangeles) July 6, 2012"

The extent of his injury is still being determined, but it could impact his standing with Team USA.

The team has had to extend the deadline for setting their roster, following a rash of injuries over the culmination of the NBA season.

Per an ESPN.com report, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo doesn't believe the injury is serious. They believe it is a tweak of a prior injury and they hope Paul can return to practice on Saturday.

Still, the concern was real enough that Paul left practice to get an X-ray. He could very well decide the risk to his NBA career is too great and join Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as notable players that will miss the 2012 Olympics.

Per spotrac.com, the Los Angeles Clipper point guard is set to earn $17.8 million in the upcoming season, the final year of the contract he signed in 2008. While playing for his country is certainly a priority, it wouldn't be surprising to see him step back from the Olympics to protect his livelihood.

The U.S. team has options beyond Paul. Russell Westbrook is coming off a solid NBA Finals, despite his team losing to the Miami Heat. Westbrook played great defense and put up some impressive offensive stats.

He does not give the U.S. an outside threat, but he is able to distribute the ball and is quick enough to drive with the ball. That aside, a team that features Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant isn't exactly in need of another scoring threat.

Regardless of Paul's ability to play, Team USA needs to factor in what Westbrook will offer the team. His defensive prowess and ability to move the ball would be a great addition.

Factor in the rapport he's built with Kevin Durant playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Westbrook will be more than adequate in taking over for Paul.