Greivis Vasquez will not be competing in the Olympics this summer. In a statement released by the Brooklyn Nets, Vasquez revealed that he will not be joining his Venezuelan teammates.
Statement from #Nets guard @greivisvasquez: pic.twitter.com/FTaPcYDd3k
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) July 29, 2016
Vasquez signed with the Nets this summer on a one-year deal. Risking further injury with no long-term security would probably not be a smart idea for him.
Vasquez had ankle surgery in December of last year. His time-table at the time was listed at 3-4 months. He is likely fully recovered from the injury and subsequent surgery. However, the risk of re-injury is obviously something he did not want to take.
Vasquez’s deal in free agency shows that teams may have been hesitant on signing him long-term due to health risks. The point guard will have all of this year to prove he is healthy and capable of being a big contributor again.
Venezuela will be without its only NBA player in Greivis Vasquez. They will find it difficult to make much noise in Rio. However, this is a team that beat a Canadian team loaded with NBA talent in Olympic qualifying. While the task is difficult, is is more than possible.
