Curry opts out of US team to Rio

MANILA, Philippines – Stephen Curry has withdrawn from consideration from the Olympics, leaving the US basketball team without the NBA’s MVP.

Curry said Monday in a statement that he has decided to pull out for “several factors – including recent ankle and knee injuries.”

He didn’t say what the other factors were that he referenced. Several athletes have expressed concerns about the water situation in Rio and the Zika virus.

The guard is the highest-profile absence for the two-time defending gold medalists, who will already be without NBA All-Stars Chris Paul and Anthony Davis.

Curry has won a pair of world titles with the Americans and was a starter when they won the 2014 Basketball World Cup. He had spoken of wanting the chance to win Olympic gold, but missed six games in the postseason with a right knee injury.

“My previous experiences with USA Basketball have been incredibly rewarding, educational and enjoyable, which made this an extremely difficult decision for me and my family,” Curry said.

“However, due to several factors – including recent ankle and knee injuries – I believe this is the best decision for me at this stage of my career.”