Chris Paul out of Rio Olympics

P - American point guard Chris Paul has ruled himself out of the Rio Olympics - but that doesn't really make the task any easier for the Boomers.

LA Clippers star Paul played on the champion US team at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and could have joined LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in trying to become the first players to win three Olympic basketball golds.

However he has told USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo he is unavailable.

Australia's Boomers are drawn in the same pool as the Americans for the Rio Games.

However they're are unlikely to be celebrating Paul's absence when the US will be able to call on reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry at point guard.

All-Star centre Anthony Davis has also pulled out because of shoulder and knee injuries, having debuted at the London Games.