Spurs F LaMarcus Aldridge "won't bid for a spot" on the U.S. men's basketball team competing in Rio due to a finger injury, joining Warriors G Stephen Curry and four other top players who will "skip the Olympics due to health," according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Curry became the "latest prominent member" of a group that includes Clippers F Blake Griffin and G Chris Paul, Pelicans F Anthony Davis and Wizards G John Wall after announcing that -- "despite his well-chronicled desire to make his Olympic debut this summer -- he felt the need to take the summer off from national team duty in the wake of his knee and ankle injuries." USA Basketball Chair Jerry Colangelo yesterday stressed that, to this point, "no players in USAB's Olympic player pool have withdrawn from consideration for this summer's Rio Games due to Brazil-related concerns," like the Zika virus. Stein noted USA Basketball has been "planning for months to announce the official 12-man roster for Rio in late June, after the Finals and NBA draft but well before the group convenes in Las Vegas in mid-July for its first training camp." Meanwhile, Warriors C Andrew Bogut, who would play for Australia, said, "I am 100 percent committed as of now, but am following the events in Brazil closely and would be lying if I said they are not becoming somewhat concerning as we get closer to the event." Bulls F Pau Gasol late last month said that he is "considering skipping" the Games for Spain "due to concerns over the Zika virus, becoming the most prominent NBA player to speak out about the issue" (ESPN.com, 6/6).
PLAYERS STILL DECIDING: In Oakland, Marcus Thompson II noted while Curry is "concerned about Zika, his knee is the reason he is out." Warriors F Andre Iguodala "could opt out as well" due to Zika. He "hasn’t told USA Basketball he is out and still wants to play," but he is "keenly watching the developments." A source said that Warriors F Draymond Green "will not be deterred by Zika fears." If Green is "invited to play, he will" (EASTBAYTIMES.com, 6/6). CSN Bay Area contributor Phil Taylor does not believe Curry will be the only player "to pull out” of the Olympics. Taylor: “It’s interesting that this is the first thing that Steph has done as far as his public profile that everyone might not be pleased with” ("Sports Talk Live," CSN Bay Area, 6/6). Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Jabari Young noted there "have been discussions" within Spurs F Kawhi Leonard’s circle on "if his name will remain in consideration." Leonard is "expecting his first child in July," so remaining with his family "is a top priority." In addition, Leonard and his reps also are "monitoring the security and health (Zika virus) concerns that continue to arise in Brazil" (MYSANANTONIO.com, 6/6).
REAL LIFE CONCERNS: ESPN's Brad Daugherty said, "You can’t blame someone if they decide to step aside because of the uncertainty of the virus." He said Curry likely will catch "some backlash" to his decision, as there is "always someone who has something to say." However, Daugherty noted, "At the end of the day, his health, his family, his career are the most important things” ("GMA," ABC, 6/7). ESPN’s Amin Elhassan said, “Zika virus is real, people. Representing your country is nice, but I am not going to die for it” ("The Jump," ESPN, 6/6).
