This may be something that doesn’t matter simply because USA Basketball is stronger than ever. Losing one veteran point guard like today will not damage USA’s chances of getting that gold medal.
But if you look at a country like Argentina. Where would they be without Manu Ginobili? Team USA simply can say “next man up” and it’s good because this means that a young gun can get a look at some international basketball.
The veteran I am talking about by the way is Chris Paul, he’s at that age where you need to think about ditching international basketball. CP3 is doing the smart thing and will withdraw from Olympic consideration.
After more than a decade of contribution to USA Basketball, Paul told SI.com on Monday that he is withdrawing from consideration for this summer’s Olympic team, likely ending his international career. “I feel my body telling me that I could use the time,” he said.
Paul, the best point guard of his generation, has a hard time recalling a summer when he was not either injured, recovering from injury, or playing for Team USA. The Olympics are synonymous with other touchstones in his life. His wife, Jada, became pregnant with their son, Chris Jr., right after the ’08 Olympics and gave birth to their daughter, Camryn, right after the ’12 Games. “Just a few days ago, Little Chris asked me, ‘Daddy, will you play in the Olympics again?’” Paul said. “Part of me wanted to say yes, because he’s never been part of it. But I told him, ‘I want to spend more time with you.’” Paul, a fixture at his son’s Little League complex and basketball gym even during the NBA season, opted to stay home.
He’s had a good run, he’s been the Team USA point guard for a good amount of international tournaments. With Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry and other guards coming into the frame, now is the perfect time for CP3 to take a step back.
