Jerry Colangelo Comments on Speaking with Stephen Curry About 2016 Rio Olympics
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry confirmed Monday in a press release that he would skip the 2016 Rio Olympics, per the Warriors PR on Twitter, citing recent ankle and knee injuries as primary factors in his decision to abstain from Team USA.
Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News originally reported Monday morning that Curry told USA Basketball he would skip the Olympics this summer.
Before Curry's statement, USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo disputed Thompson's report in comments he made to AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today:
"I’ve had a discussion with Steph about his injuries, about his condition. He stressed his great desire to play. He was concerned about being healthy through the playoffs. We’ve said all along, what comes first? The player’s career, his obligations to his team and to the NBA. He’s made it known very publicly how important playing in the Olympics and representing the United States is to him. He’s played in two world championships but not the Olympics. Whatever the final decision is will be predicated on that.
"
Colangelo then addressed Curry's decision after learning he would be skipping the Games, per Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press:
Curry, 28, is the sport's biggest superstar at the moment, so his absence is a huge blow for Team USA, which could be missing a number of top superstars in Rio. Anthony Davis is already out due to injury, while Neuharth-Keusch reported that Chris Paul took himself out of contention for the team.
More stars may follow suit. According to Thompson, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Andre Iguodala are also considering skipping the 2016 Games due to concerns stemming from Brazil's outbreak of the Zika virus.
“We have been on top of that,” Colangelo said in regard to the Zika virus, per Neuharth-Keusch. “We understand what the circumstances are, what the risks are and to whom and we are moving forward on all of our plans. Everyone is aware of the circumstances.”
The United States has a pool of 31 players for the Rio Games, 12 of whom will be selected for the final roster.
You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.
