Just hours after Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook announced his withdrawal from consideration for a spot on the final 12-man USA Basketball roster at the 2016 Olympics, Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden did the same.
Just like Westbrook, Harden — who played a full, injury-free season — didn't give a specific reason for his withdrawal, but the sudden announcement left the NBA world asking the same question: Why?
“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," Harden said in a statement.
"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.”
At his exit interview at the end of the season, Harden was asked if he plans on giving himself any kind of break this summer. He responded with a vague "definitely," which came as no surprise after logging an NBA-high 3,125 minutes throughout the season. When asked a follow-up question, he elaborated, but the vague nature of his answer remained.
"I'm gonna take some time off, kind of clear my mind, rest my body a little bit and then start preparing myself for next year."
Turns out that preparation won't include Olympic competition.
As was the case with Westbrook's withdrawal, there is no evidence to suggest that Harden's decision was made as a precaution against the threat of the Zika virus, and earlier in the week, USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports that no player has indicated he won't go as a result of the outbreak.
“We have been on top of that,” Colangelo said. “We understand what the circumstances are, what the risks are and to whom and we are moving forward on all of our plans. Everyone is aware of the circumstances.”
Harden joins the increasingly long list of Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge, John Wall, Blake Griffin, and Anthony Davis as finalists who have withdrawn from Team USA consideration. Harden was named as a finalist for the team in January, and — with his USA Basketball experience and elite offensive skill set — it wasn't a question of whether or not he would make the team, but whether or not he would be a starter.
He averaged a career-high 29.0 points per game this season (second in the league), as well as 7.5 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt
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