Greivis Vasquez pulls out of Rio 2016

Brooklyn Nets guard and Venezuelan international Greivis Vasquez announced Monday that he was pulling out of next month's Olympics because of injury.

Vasquez, who signed with the Nets in the offseason after a mercurial campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks, released a statement on his Twitter page, admitting that injuries will regrettably see him miss Venezuela's return to the Olympics after a 24-year hiatus.

"After a great deal of consultation with the Nets and team doctors, I have been advised that unfortunately it will be necessary for me to withdraw from Olympic competition," the translated statement reads.

"While it would have been an honor and a dream to join my teammates and represent our country in Rio, the medical staff feels that it is essential that I devote this time to work towards getting healthy for the upcoming NBA season."

Despite not disclosing the specific injury that will see him miss out on the Olympics, Vasquez, 29, played in just 23 games with the Bucks last season hampered by an ankle injury that required surgery.

"This will be the best decision, not only for this season, but for my career going forward. I wish the best to my teammates at the Olympic Games and I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to be a part of the national team again in the future."

Venezuela kicks off the Olympics on Aug. 6 against Serbia before tilts with the U.S., China, France, and Australia in a challenging Group A draw.