Russell Westbrook withdraws from Team USA pool

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has withdrawn from the USA basketball player pool ahead of the World Cup in Spain later this summer.

The 25-year-old missed 36 games last season after undergoing two procedures on his surgically repaired right knee and later had his minutes restricted before the Thunder's defeat in the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs.

According to the team, Westbrook doesn't feel as though he is risking an injury but it is merely a precaution in order to avoid suffering any setbacks, ESPN reports.

Westbrook is expected to join the team for their training camp later this month, but with Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving all available, coach Mike Krzyzewski isn't short of options.