Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden has officially withdrawn from consideration for Team USA in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. From the official announcement on NBA.com:
“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 announced.
“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.”
Along with Harden, Team USA will be without Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, John Wall, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Those probable to play include DeMarcus Cousins, Klay Thompson, Paul George, and Kevin Durant.
