Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin announced today that he will not participate with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team this summer. Griffin was one of 19 players selected to the USA roster from which the 2014 USA World Cup Team will be selected.
“I appreciate the invitation to play for Team USA this summer,” Griffin said. “It is a special opportunity anytime you have a chance to represent your country, and I was honored to be included. However, right now I want to focus and dedicate 100 percent of my energy on improving and preparing for the upcoming season with the Clippers.”
While Blake Griffin has decided to withdraw from World Championship competition this summer, it doesn't mean he won't participate in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Earlier in the day it was also announced that John Wall would be added to the roster for Team USA training camp. Wall averaged 19.3 points and 8.8 assists a game for the Washington Wizards last season. He made a leap forward with his game, hitting 35.1 percent from three and working better with Bradley Beal to form a formidable backcourt that led the Wizards to the second round of the NBA playoffs.
At this point the USA has stiff competition at the point guard spot with Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose and Wall all invited to training camp.
Wall could make this team, but Coach Mike Krzyzewski has no easy call to make in the backcourt. However, pretty much any combination of that group would be devastating to FIBA opponents.