Houston Rockets guard James Harden and 2016 NBA All-Star Game MVP Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder have added their names to the list of absentees for the USA men’s team that will compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
They join Clippers guard Chris Paul and Golden State’s Stephen Curry on the list of withdrawals for this summer’s Games in Rio de Janeiro.
James Harden Statement:
As a result of many difficult conversations with my family, the Rockets, and trusted advisors, I’ve notified Jerry Colangelo and Team USA that I will not be competing at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Brazil.
This decision was a painstaking one that I did not take lightly. As a member of the 2012 London Olympic Gold Medal Team, and as Team Captain for the 2014 FIBA Gold Medal Team, it goes without saying that USA Basketball has provided me with some of the most meaningful personal and professional accomplishments of my life. I have been extremely blessed to wear the “red, white, and blue” and to compete at the highest international level with the greatest players representing the greatest country in the world. I sincerely hope I’ll earn an opportunity to represent Team USA again in the future.
Russell Westbrook statement:
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.