Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, who was expected to play a key role on the U.S. Senior men’s basketball team in this year’s World Cup in Spain, has ruled himself out of the pre-Olympic competition.
Westbrook, 25, who won gold medals on the U.S. team at the 2010 World Championship and 2012 Olympics Games, missed almost half of last season with the Thunder because of knee injuries. He informed Senior men’s director Jerry Colangelo he needed time to recover from recent surgery he underwent to help his team’s chances to make the playoffs. Westbrook was considered the perfect companion piece for his NBA teammate Kevin Durant, the league’s MVP and his level of intensity gave the Americans a much needed advantage agaisnt Spain in the London summer games.
Westbrook has opted out of a July training camp, an August exhibition tour and the Aug. 30-Sept. 14 World Cup. In his absence, Mike Krzyzewski will likely take a close look at Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls, who played with Westbrook in the 2010 Worlds, to fill Wsstbrook’s role, provided he is completely healthy. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is also expected to compete for a spot on the 12 man roster, along with Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers and Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“As I’ve said previously, our roster is fluid and based on the circumstances of our players you will see the addition of players as they emerge and as they are needed,” Colangelo said.
