Paul George Reportedly Accepts Invite to Play in Rio 2016 Olympics
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George will reportedly be part of Team USA’s efforts to defend its gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated, George “accepted an invite” to play on the team. USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt confirmed the report.
| Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| DeMarcus Cousins | Sacramento Kings |
| Draymond Green | Golden State Warriors |
| Klay Thompson | Golden State Warriors |
| Paul George | Indiana Pacers |
| DeMar DeRozan | Toronto Raptors |
| Kyle Lowry | Toronto Raptors |
| Carmelo Anthony | New York Knicks |
| Jimmy Butler | Chicago Bulls |
| DeAndre Jordan | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Kyrie Irving | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Harrison Barnes | Golden State Warriors |
George is still only 26 years old, but a quick glance at his early resume reveals why he will be a valuable addition for the Americans. He is a three-time All-Star and earned a spot on three different All-NBA teams, including the third team in 2015-16. He is also an impressive defender at 6’9” with athleticism and length and earned a spot on three separate NBA All-Defensive squads.
George is fresh off a career-best 23.1 points per game in 2015-16 as an all-around offensive force who impacts the game in a number of ways. He can hit the three, attack the basket, contribute on the glass, set up teammates with his passing and spearhead his team's defensive effort.
Other than 2014-15, when he played in only six games, he has demonstrated solid improvement as he developed into one of the league’s best players:
| 2010-11 | 7.8 | 3.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 29.7 |
| 2011-12 | 12.1 | 5.6 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 38.5 |
| 2012-13 | 17.4 | 7.6 | 4.1 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 36.2 |
| 2013-14 | 21.7 | 6.8 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 36.4 |
| 2014-15 | 8.8 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 40.9 |
| 2015-16 | 23.1 | 7.0 | 4.1 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 37.1 |
This decision comes at something of a crossroads for Team USA with the Olympics looming. Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press (via NBA.com) listed a number of players who won’t play for the team in Rio, including Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Paul and John Wall.
LeBron James has also opted against participating in the international competition, according to the New York Times' Andrew Keh.
Mahoney did note that USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said the players pulled out because of injuries, but the Zika virus is an issue as well.
“The Zika virus is also a concern in Brazil, which has been hit hard by the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to severe birth defects and possible neurological problems in adults,” Mahoney wrote.
Spain big man Pau Gasol said he may not play in the Olympics because of Zika, per Mahoney.
George gives Team USA some depth in the face of those absences, but he does have a serious injury on his national team resume. George suffered a fracture of the tibia-fibula during a Team USA scrimmage in August 2014, which nearly cost him his entire 2014-15 campaign with the Pacers.
George would’ve almost assuredly been a part of the 2014 team that won the FIBA Basketball World Cup with a perfect 9-0 record and now has the chance to add a gold medal to his resume and move past the ugly injury that marred his previous national team experience.
With James not playing, George fills a void for Team USA as a two-way small forward who can assert his will on the game on both ends of the floor. He will also provide a versatile outside scoring option with playmakers such as Paul, Curry and Harden no longer part of the Olympic picture.
