Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin has withdrawn from playing for the US national basketball team this summer.

Griffin was one of 19 players selected to the squad from which the World Cup team will be chosen.

Griffin said on Thursday he wants to concentrate all his energy on improving and preparing for the upcoming NBA season. He joins Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook in not participating. Westbrook dropped out to rest previous knee injuries.

Team USA opens training camp on Monday in Las Vegas, a month before the World Cup of Basketball opens in Spain.

Associated Press

(China Daily 07/26/2014 page9)