Russell Westbrook withdraws from Team USA consideration for Rio Olympics
Thunder star won't join national team in Rio de Janeiro
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
Consider the fact that point guards is the most loaded position, talent-wise, in the NBA, it's kind of amazing how rapidly Team USA is running out of point guards.
Stephen Curry withdrew from consideration earlier this week due to ankle and knee injuries that continue to hamper his NBA Finals. John Wall is out after knee surgeries, and Chris Paul broke his hand. Now, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has announced that he too will not be available. The statement from Westbrook, via the Thunder:
"After speaking with my family, I have decided to not participate in this year's Olympics. This was not an easy decision, as representing my country at the World Championships in 2010 and the Olympics in 2012 were career highlights for me. I look forward to future opportunities as a member of USA Basketball."
So, Damian Lillard will likely be at the top of the depth chart. But who's next? Mike Conley? Conley's coming off an Achilles injury that ended his season and has dealt with foot discomfort for years. He's also a free agent this summer and often free agents want the mental break after making their decision.
That said, Team USA doesn't actually need a point guard. They can start Lillard, but James Harden acts as a point guard in Olympic play. LeBron James runs point most of the time, and Team USA relies on its athleticism to overwhelm teams anyway.
Also, James, Harden, and half of the roster could bow out and Team USA would still win gold this summer most likely. The rosters for the international squads are rough. Still, for a competition where so much of the play is dictated by guards, Team USA is going to have to deal with being without its four best this summer in Rio.
It's not yet known what the reasons were for Westbrook's decision, but there have been reports of players being concerned about the ongoing Zika virus epidemic in South America, as well as concerns over bacteria in the water supply in Rio.
