Russell Westbrook will not play in Rio, which means the U.S. Olympic team will include zero point guards with prior Olympic experience for the first time since 2004.
“After speaking with my family, I have decided to not participate in this year’s Olympics,” Westbrook said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision, as representing my country at the World Championships in 2010 and the Olympics in 2012 were career highlights for me. I look forward to future opportunities as a member of USA Basketball.”
Westbrook, 27, is the seventh of 31 finalists for the U.S. Olympic team to publicly withdraw from consideration before the 12-man roster is expected to be named later this month.
Previously, LaMarcus Aldridge, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, John Wall, Anthony Davis and Blake Griffin withdrew for various reasons.
Westbrook was the third point guard (in minutes played) behind Paul and Deron Williams at the London Olympics.
The U.S. has three point guards left to choose from among its finalists -- Mike Conley, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard. Lillard was a late addition to the list of finalists in February.
