MANILA, Philippines – Nadagdagan na naman ang mga NBA players na inalis ang kanilang pangalan sa mga ikinukunsiderang maglaro para sa Team USA sa darating na 2016 Olympic Games.
Kapwa inihayag kahapon nina Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook at James Harden ng Houston Rockets ang hindi nila paglalaro sa Rio Olympics sa Brazil sa Agosto.
Walang idinahilan ang five-time All-Star at 2016 All-NBA First Team selection na si Westbrook ukol sa kanyang desisyon.
“After speaking with my family, I have decided to not participate in this year’s Olympics. This was not an easy decision, as representing my country at the World Championships in 2010 and the Olympics in 2012 were career highlights for me. I look forward to future opportunities as a member of USA Basketball,” wika ni Westbrook.
Ginawa naman ni Harden ang kanyang announcement sa second quarter ng Game 4 ng NBA Finals.
“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,” ani Harden.
Naging miyembro si Harden ng 2012 London Olympic gold medal team at tumayong team captain para sa 2014 FIBA gold medal squad.
Nauna nang umatras sa paglalaro sa Rio Olympics sina Stephen Curry, Chris Paul at John Wall.
Ang mga inaasahang maiiwan sa backcourt ng Team USA ay sina Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler at Mike Conley.
Samantala, ibinilang si Sacramento Kings All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins sa koponang lalahok sa Rio Olympics.