Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry just withdrew from Team USA ahead of the upcoming Olympics, a big blow for the fans but the best thing for his career.
There was a lot of speculation regarding Curry’s involvement in the tournament, as he’s yet to play in the Olympics despite having won a couple of gold medals with Team USA in the FIBA World Cups in 2010 and 2014.
But, after enduring such a tough season and playing through a fractured tailbone for the final third of the year, the 33-year-old decided that he needed to take care of his body and look ahead to next year.
That’s why his coach Steve Kerr was thrilled to hear the news, as he believes that his franchise player should get a breather in the offseason:
“Steph and I talked, Draymond [Green] and I talked,” Kerr said, as quoted by NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think it makes perfect sense, actually. Steph has so many demands on his time. He has to play so hard for so much of the season. He’s 180 pounds. He’s [33]. He needs rest. I’m happy for Steph that he’s going to get plenty of rest and family time this summer and he’ll be ready to go come training camp in September.”
Draymond Green, on the other hand, has committed to play for Team USA in Tokyo, so Kerr may not be that happy about the situation.
The Golden State Warriors have had a tough time with injuries over the past couple of years but they’re expected to be one of the biggest candidates out of the Western Conference next season when Klay Thompson comes back from his long layoff.
So, hopefully, Steph will also be back at full strength for the start of the season after passing on the chance to win the Olympic gold.
