USA Basketball Team Roster for 2016 Olympics - 'Definitely In' Final List Shortens As Russell Westbrook and James Harden Opt Out of Rio
NBA Stars Also Express Concern with Zika Virus Epidemic in Brazil
Two more big names in the NBA have decided to opt out of the Olympics and not join Team USA to focus on the next NBA season and their personal lives. Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook and Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden chose to stay in their home country instead of traveling to Brazil for the Olympics this August.
Star Players Back Out
The bad news came after Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry announced that he will not be part of the US team for the 2016 Olympics because of knee issues. From the looks of it, the Dream Team seems to be losing most of its vital players with just two months before the international competition.
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USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo told the same report that losing players on the team "puts more emphasis now on what was a real strong position for us." Harden and Westbrook were vital during the 2012 Olympics when Team USA snatched the gold from Spain.
Harden explained that he was proud to have been part of the victory and hoped that he would again be a member of the team in future Olympics. According to Colangelo, the Rockets player wanted to take his time to improve on his performance since he thought he did not deliver a solid one this season.
On the other hand, Westbrook has not yet spoken to Colangelo, but the latter believes the player needs to take a break for his upcoming wedding. Other team members have reportedly pulled out of the Olympics because of injuries including Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge and Anthony Davis.
Zika Virus Scare
Another major consideration for other players is the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil. Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is still unsure of his participation in the Olympics because of the epidemic.
Recognizing the threat of Zika, Colangelo said that some of the players had legitimate concerns on the health scare especially that they need to be in perfect shape for the next NBA season.
However, there will still be a number of players who are sure to join the Olympics as part of Team USA including OKC's Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins and Harrison Barnes. The final 12 for Team USA is expected to be announced before the month ends.
The team will start training next month for the Olympic Games and hopes to bag another gold and championship for the USA.
The Updated and Potential Roster So Far (Final List to Be Announced at the End of June)
Kevin Durant;
Jimmy Butler;
Paul George;
DeMarcus Cousins;
Carmelo Anthony;
Harrison Barnes;
Bradley Beal;
Mike Conley;
DeMar DeRozan;
Andre Drummond;
Kenneth Faried;
Rudy Gay;
Draymond Green;
Gordon Hayward;
Dwight Howard;
Andre Iguodala;
Kyrie Irving;
LeBron James;
DeAndre Jordan;
Kawhi Leonard;
Damian Lillard;
Kevin Love;
Klay Thompson;
