USA Basketball disappointed but supportive after Curry pulls out of Rio

USA Basketball chairman and national team managing director Jerry Colangelo insists the organisation is “fully supportive” of Stephen Curry’s decision to pull out of the Rio Olympics.

Curry confirmed on Monday, through a statement from the Golden State Warriors, he will withdraw from the list of eligible Team USA players for Rio, citing ankle and knee injuries among “several factors” in his decision.

Colangelo acknowledged the loss of the two-time NBA MVP came as a disappointment, but refused to criticise Curry.

In a statement, Colangelo said: “Since Steph’s recent injuries, I’ve been in contact with him and I was aware that this decision was a strong possibility.

“We appreciate Steph and his agent, Jeff Austin, keeping USA Basketball updated on his decision process.

“Obviously we are disappointed that Steph will not be available this summer, but we understand these situations arise and we are fully supportive of his decision.

“Steph is a two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist who has a lot of equity with USA Basketball and has made great contributions since he first began playing the United States at the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship.

“We are sorry that he won’t be able to be with us this summer.”

Despite his recent fitness troubles, Curry played in all seven games as the Warriors came from 3-1 down in the Western Conference Finals to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder.

He has since helped the reigning champions open up a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.