The National Basketball Association's reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player winner, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, has pulled out from the USA Men's Basketball team that will be competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this coming August.

Like Us on Facebook

"After a great deal of internal thought and several discussions with my family, the Warriors and my representatives, I've elected to withdraw my name from the list of eligible players on Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2016 Summer Games in Brazil." The 2015 Associated Press Athlete of the Year said in a statement on Monday.

Curry also stated that he had recently informed the national team's managing director, Jerry Colangelo, of his decision to opt out from the Olympics. The three-time NBA All-Star also said that he opted to withdraw from the Olympics citing "several factors - including recent ankle and knee injuries."

The 2016 NBA scoring champion did not mention what the other factors he cited were but several athletes have expressed concerns about the ongoing Zika virus situation in Rio.

"My previous experiences with USA Basketball have been incredibly rewarding, educational and enjoyable, which made this an extremely difficult decision for me and my family," the 28-year-old added. "However, due to several factors - including recent ankle and knee injuries - I believe this is the best decision for me at this stage of my career."

Brazil has been seriously hit by the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which has been linked to cases of severe birth abnormalities and possible neurological issues in adults. Currently, there is no known specific treatment or vaccine readily available for the cure of the said disease.

Curry steered Golden State to a 73-game record-setting victory this season. He led the league with 30.1 points per game average and connected a total of 402 three-pointers during the regular season. Curry will be the latest high-profile player to miss the Olympics following the likes of Chris Paul, Anthony Davis and Blake Griffin.

TagsStephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, NBA 2016, Rio Olympics 2016, Zika virus, 2016 Rio Olympics, NBA, Rio, Rio Olympics