The latest player to announce he will not join Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro is James Harden.
Harden released a statement on his decision Friday night:
“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 painstaking one that I did not take lightly. As a member of the 2012 London Olympic Gold Medal Team, and as Team Captian 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.”
The Rockets star is just one of many players who have decided not to play in this summer's Olympics. Others include Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Blake Griffin. In addition to injuries to various players, the threat of Zika virus in Brazil may be affecting the decision of the athletes.
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