This type of thing, in light of all the other injuries, makes one pause and think: is it really worth the risk? Well, obviously injuries are part of the game but at some point, you do want to minimize a players' risk to injury. You can't tell Curry not to play. This is for the country, etc. It's also good for his development. The experience certainly isn't a necessity or a prerequisite for Curry to become a great player and while the exposure may help his career, not playing for USA doesn't hurt it either. You want Curry to be healthy and fresh for the 2011 season and not banged up like Biedrins was or how Yao missed an entire season because he played for China in the olympics. Curry is young enough and this injury hardly qualifies as an injury compared to everything else that's happened to Warrior players, but it makes all of us cringe a little bit.
I think it is worth the risk. Ultimately, this puts him in a mind-set where he knows that he's in the top tier of NBA players already. Next season isn't going to be a make or break season, IMO. If he's a little worn down, he'll get a chance to rest at some point.
I agree that this is worth the risk, especially at his stage of development. Although this team USA team isn't as star-studded as in the past, it's great to be around an environment where you can see how others work hard and compete. Big men also have a much higher chance on injury since it's more physical in there, with a crowded zone. It's a bit easier on a guard, especially a shooter like Curry. So it's just a slightly freak-ish accident that could happen like this, than the norm that this happened.
He played a little bit last night vs. Lithuania, looked fine. Hopefully he'll get some more run tonight in a big game vs. Spain (ESPN2, 7pm). Will be interesting to see Rubio. I also think it's important for him to play, the chances he'll see a stage that big on the Warriors in the bear future isn't great, so he gets some "big game" experience that he can bring back home to the Warriors that will pay off when they get there.
Congrats, Steph Curry! Excellent work. Rondo would've been the one to get cut. He just made it easier for the coaches and Team USA to withdraw.
