NBA World Reacts To Chris Paul’s Olympics Decision

Update: Despite an earlier report, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul has reportedly declined an invitation from Team U.S.A. to play at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Earlier: The United States men’s basketball roster has slowly filled up over the last few days with a star-studded group of individuals. The most recent addition to the backcourt adds a wealth of international experience to Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics.

According to Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul plans to commit to Team USA. When he does join, the 36-year-old will become a part of his third Olympic team.

Paul has been one of the most successful members of Team USA over the last two decades. He first played for the group in the 2006 FIBA World Championship before making his first Olympic team in a reserve role for the 2008 games in Beijing. He earned the starting point guard spot four years later at the 2012 London Olympics and led the team to a second consecutive gold medal.

Paul will now get the opportunity to compete for a third Olympic gold medal to add to his Hall of Fame résumé. After an impressive season with the Suns, the point guard’s commitment thrilled basketball fans about Team USA’s prospects later this summer.

Paul joins Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, James Harden, Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum, Khris Middleton, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Kevin Love and Bam Adebayo on the Team USA roster. Only one spot remains, which many fans and experts have predicted will be a center to backup Adebayo.

In the immediate, Paul will focus on getting his Phoenix Suns into the NBA Finals. He recently tested positive for COVID-19 and will be out for the first two games of the Western Conference Finals due to health and safety protocols. However, he plans to return later in the series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Playing late into the NBA season and then again at the Olympics will put a hefty amount of mileage on the 36-year-old Paul. Nevertheless, he seems eager for the challenge and to lead Team USA this July in Tokyo.

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