National Basketball Association

Wizards' Beal is latest to decline Rio Olympics invite

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:00 a.m. ET

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WASHINGTON (AP) Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal has declined an invitation to play for the United States in the Rio Olympics.

Beal said on Twitter that he has decided to dedicate his summer to getting into shape for next season. He called the invitation from USA Basketball ''the ultimate honor.''

The 22-year-old is the latest player to turn down the chance to play for the U.S. in Rio. NBA Finals MVP LeBron James, regular-season MVP Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, James Harden and others have said they won't go.

Beal just finished his fourth professional season. He averages 16.0 points a game.

Wizards teammate John Wall removed himself from consideration when he had knee surgery after the season ended.