Why Chris Paul Won't Be on the 2016 Olympic Team
Eleven years in the NBA takes its toll on you — both physically and personally.
And for that reason, Chris Paul won't be part of the 2016 U.S. Olympic squad in Brazil this summer. The Los Angeles Clippers' All-Star point guard told Sports Illustrated that he is withdrawing consideration from participating in the Olympics this year.
“I feel my body telling me that I could use the time,” CP3, who turns 31 in May, said.
Paul is still performing at a high level, as evidenced by his 19.8 points and 9.9 assists per game this season. That being said, a summer off to rejuvenate his body could only help a veteran during this stage of his career... especially considering he's still vying for that elusive championship ring.
The other part of his reasoning to not play this summer is to spend more quality time with his son.
“Just a few days ago, Little Chris asked me, ‘Daddy, will you play in the Olympics again?’” Paul said. “Part of me wanted to say yes, because he’s never been part of it. But I told him, ‘I want to spend more time with you.’”
With Paul counting two gold medals to his name, the U.S. squad will still be in good hands with other NBA point guards such as Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving, who are just some of the players who could be part of the Olympic team.
We can't knock CP3 at all for this decision.
You do the Olympics a few times and leave it for the young fellas. Makes sense to us.
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(Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)