It's next man up for USA as Curry pulls out of Rio squad

COLORADO SPRINGS (2016 Rio Olympic Games) - The United States will have plenty of firepower when they launch their Olympic title defense in August but one weapon that won't compete in Rio de Janeiro is Stephen Curry.

The Golden State Warriors guard needs to recover from injuries to his knee and ankle and will not travel to Brazil. Curry, 28, missed several games in the Western Conference play-offs because of a right knee sprain. He returned to the line-up on 10 May and has been playing ever since, helping the Warriors take a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

It's an incredible honor to represent your country and wear 'USA' on your chest, but my primary basketball-related objective this summer needs to focus on my body and getting ready for the 2016-17 NBA season. - Curry

In a statement, Curry, who was this season named the league's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year, said: "After a great deal of internal thought and several discussions with my family, the Warriors and my representatives, I've elected to withdraw my name from the list of eligible players on Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2016 Summer Games in Brazil. I recently informed (USA Basketball chairman and national team manager) Jerry Colangelo of this decision."

Curry helped the United States win the last two FIBA Basketball World Cups, including the one in Spain two years ago when he started and averaged 10.7 points per game and shot 43.8 percent from 3-point range.

"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. It's an incredible honor to represent your country and wear 'USA' on your chest, but my primary basketball-related objective this summer needs to focus on my body and getting ready for the 2016-17 NBA season."

Colangelo will have several options to fill in for Curry. USA Basketball announced a 30-strong list of candidates for the Olympic team in January, although point guards Chris Paul and John Wall have removed themselves for consideration.

Russell Westbrook was outstanding at the 2010 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2012 Olympics, while Kyrie Irving was the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Damian Lillard was not on the initial list of candidates but was later made one at his own request. Mike Conley was on the original list but he went down with an Achilles injury in March and didn't play for the remainder of the campaign. He is also a free agent. Colangelo issued a statement through USA Basketball regarding Curry.

"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. Steph has always represented his country in an exemplary manner, and we are sorry that he won't be able to be with us this summer."

FIBA