With Los Angeles Clippers stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul ruled out of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, will any Clippers player make the USA Basketball Roster?
The Los Angeles Clippers announced that Blake Griffin will miss touring with Team USA and playing in the Rio de Janiero Olympics with a quad injury, last week.
Griffin underwent successful bone marrow treatment on his quad after he reinjured it in Game 3 of a series loss to the Portland Trailblazers. The all-star forward already began the rehab process, and he is expected to make a recovery before training camp.
Griffin averaged 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists and dominated last Summer’s USA Basketball showcase.
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Clippers point guard Chris Paul also withdrew his name from consideration in March. Paul cited his body calling for rest as the reason for his resignation from consideration.
Now, Paul will definitely sit out as he recovers from the hand injury that ended his season in Game versus Portland too. Paul won Gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.
With the Clippers two superstars out indefinitely, will any Clipper represent the Red, White and Blue?
Insert Deandre Jordan. The center and overlooked piece of the Clippers big three is the only likley candidate for the USA Basketball roster. Jordan already earned consideration in the initial pool of 30 players.
Added, USA Basketball veterans Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant may or may not play. Plus, versatile big man Anthony Davis withdrew for injury too. That leaves some roster flexibility for head coach Mike Krzewski.
Remember, Krzyzewski started true centers in each of the last two Olympics. Chandler started in 2012 and Howard in 2008.
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That means Jordan will only need to beat Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Drummond out for a roster spot. Howard is an expected free agent, so he might not play. Therefore, Jordan could make the roster.
Not to mention, Jordan’s 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks compare to all three of those centers. Jordan averaged more rebounds and blocks than Cousins and Howard. Jordan also only averaged a rebound less than Drummond.
Of course, those three players all averaged more points, but USA Basketball is not hurting for scoring.
With all that said, does Jordan deserve a spot on the 12-man USA Basketball roster?
There will be no open try out, as the roster will be announced sometime before camp begins in July.
#Clippers nation: Should DeAndre Jordan make Team USA?
— Pete D. Camarillo (@Petecertified) May 11, 2016
Please vote and RT:
Let us know if Jordan deserves a a shot at the Olympics team in the poll above.