Report: Paul George to play for USA Basketball at Rio Olympics

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George has accepted USA Basketball’s invitation to play in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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Indiana Pacers forward Paul George has accepted USA Basketball’s invitation to play in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, reports Marc Spears of ESPN.

George said earlier this month that he wanted to attempt a return to the team after sustaining a compound fracture to his lower right leg during a Team USA scrimmage two years ago. The injury caused George to miss 76 games of the Pacers’ 2014–15 season, but he returned last year to average 23.1 points per game over 81 games, both of which were career highs.

The 2016 Games will be the first Olympics for the three-time All Star, who was named as a finalist for the team in January. 

• Team USA debate: Will two Warriors break out with Team USA in Rio?

Among the NBA players who have already declined their Olympic invitations are Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge, with LeBron James reportedly leaning toward not playing.

Team USA will hold a training camp in late July and will play five exhibition games beginning on July 22. The Olympic basketball tournament will begin on Aug. 6.