Hayward and his wife are expecting their second child this summer.
Gordon Hayward received an invitation from USA Basketball to be part of the Olympic Team this summer but the former Brownsburg and Butler standout decided it was in his best interest to decline it with his second kid due this summer.
Hayward’s full statement via his representation, Priority Sports:
“While I am incredibly honored to have been invited to compete with Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics, I have withdrawn my name from consideration due to family obligations. My wife Robyn and I are blessed to be expecting our second child this summer. I am immensely grateful to USA Basketball for the opportunity and I hope to have the opportunity to represent my country in the future.”
[Hayward and young family featured in NBA’s #LeanIn spot]
Like many NBA players, Hayward dreams of representing his country on Team USA and going against the best competition in the world at the summer Olympics. He has been part of the USA Basketball system going all the way back to 2009, when he won a gold medal at the U-19 World Championship.
Years later, he was on the Select Team, which prepares for the National Team. Then, in January, he was one of 30 finalists considered for the Rio Olympics. With several players dropping out for various reasons — rest, concerns for the Zika virus, etc. — it’s notable that Jerry Colangelo extended an offer to the Hayward, a member of the Jazz.
VigilantSports.com reported earlier Thursday that the Pacers’ Paul George accepted the invite.
While it would’ve been an honor and a huge opportunity for Hayward to be part of the 12-member team, it’s easy to understand Hayward’s reasoning for staying home to be with family.