Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul didn't plan on playing for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics, but coach Mike Krzyzewski's return to the program could be changing his mind.
Chris Paul likely returning to Team USA due to Coach K
Paul’s return leaves the Americans with a ridiculously loaded group of point guards.
Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
The two-time gold medal winner told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman that he’s leaning towards suiting up in Rio de Janeiro three years from now, thanks to the Duke Blue Devils coach:
“If it had been another coach than Coach K, I was prepared to be done.”
Krzyzewski indicated earlier this year that he would be walking away from Team USA after returning to the program to success. He changed his mind and opted in for the 2016 Olympics, though, something that’s apparently altered Paul’s thinking as well.
One of the best players in the NBA, Paul powers a Clippers team looking to win its first NBA title next season. He’ll be 31 when the 2016 Olympics roll around, but Goodman says Paul should still be an integral part of Team USA -- despite a stacked group of point guards.
When Paul initially indicated he wouldn't participate in the next Olympic cycle, speculation quickly began regarding which top young guard would replace him. Now that he's returning to a team that could potentially also include Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook, finding minutes for so many point guards could be a fun challenge for Coach K.
With LeBron James likely hanging up his Team USA jersey, Paul could conceivably become the first NBA player to ever win three gold medals in the Olympics.
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