One of the chief complaints by NBA players, and non-NBA fans, is that the playoffs go on and on and on. This past year the first playoff game of the season tipped off on April 16, with the Cavaliers besting the Warriors in Game 7 of the Finals a full 65 days later. During that stretch Cleveland played in 21 games, and that includes a pair of sweeps. While Golden State played in a total of 24 playoff games. The number of playoff games does make for a lot more NBA betting during the playoffs, but it also comes with a down side. The stars of both teams are opting to skip the upcoming Rio Olympics for some much needed rest and relaxation.
NBC, with the rights to the Olympics, is no doubt unhappy. First the media was blaming James for the impending Cavaliers failure in the Finals, which he was successfully able to avert. And now they’re blaming him for not representing America at the Olympics, even though he’s gone to the Games three times before and already has a pair of gold medals (2008 and 2012).
Stephen Curry, on the other hand, has never played in the Olympics. He’s twice been a gold medalist at the FIBA World Cup, but the two-time MVP failed to make the Olympic team in 2012. At the time Curry said, “I’m really disappointed. But it’s motivation for 2016.”
Of course he’s not the same player that was cut in 2012, and circumstances are no longer the same where his career is concerned. With ankle and knee injuries hampering him during the Warriors playoff run to the Finals, Curry is choosing to rest his body for the upcoming NBA season and skip the trip to Brazil.
A pair of lesser known Finals participants will be representing Team USA. Curry’s teammate and Splash Brother Klay Thompson will be there, as will Cleveland’s top teammate for James, guard Kyrie Irving. Although perhaps it’s more accurate to say that both men are formerly lesser known supporting players, considering the huge television audiences that tuned into ABC’s coverage of the Finals.
Olympic television viewers won’t be totally missing the NBA superstars. Kevin Durant has committed to the U.S. Olympic team.
Based on NBA Championships won and All-Star appearances made, USA Today ranked all of the U.S. Olympic basketball teams, with this 2016 version coming in as the fifth best to ever represent America. But experts agree, even at only fifth, they’re still the overwhelming favorites to bring home the gold.
