Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry will not participate in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, and he might not be the only one from the team to opt out.
Various sources told Marcus Thompson of Bay Area News Group that Curry “has already told USA Basketball that he will not be playing for a gold medal. He will let his right knee heal.”
Curry has played through knee and ankle injuries this past season. This summer, the two-time MVP will take some time off to fully recover before the next season begins in October.
While getting a gold medal in the Olympics is still on Curry’s wish list, he’s 28 years old and should still be a top player when the 2020 Olympics come around.
The NBA playoffs end on June 19 at the absolute latest, while the Summer Olympics start on August 5.
Curry won’t be alone
The Zika epidemic in Brazil has been a major concern for several players, who have considered opting out of the games in Brazil this summer.
Andre Iguodala, who won a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics, could opt out as well due to concerns from the virus, according to Thompson. Similarly, Pau Gasol publicly expressed his concerns that may keep him from playing for Spain. A source connected with NBA players told Thompson that “LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are also considering pulling out.”
Click here to see our full list of who’s in and who’s out for Team USA Basketball’s 2016 Roster.
Many health organizations are calling for the games to be moved to a different location due to health concerns. Athletes who will gather in Brazil for the Games could help spread the Zika virus by contracting mosquito bites and then returning home.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization refuted these claims and said that cancelling the Games wouldn’t “significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus,” as Brazil is just one “of almost 60 countries and territories” dealing with it. The WHO did offer alternative measures, such as wearing insect repellent and clothes that cover as much of the skin as possible.
Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy has also backed out of making an appearance in Rio due to fears of the virus.
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