(ATR) Some of the biggest names in the NBA say they are excited about playing in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The Cleveland Cavaliers played the Miami Heat last Saturday in an exhibition game at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The venue, known as the Rio Arena for the Games, will host gymnastics events for the 2016 Olympics.
Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving said playing in Rio during the NBA preseason has him "excited" about the prospect of playing in the Olympics in 2016.
"It will be an amazing Games," Irving said in a statement released by Rio 2016.
"This is a great host city and hopefully, if I make the team, I will be looking forward to it."
Irving was the Most Valuable Player for the 2014 Basketball World Cup in Spain, and is considered by many media outlets to be under heavy consideration for the 2016 Olympic Team.
He was joined by teammates and fellow Olympians LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Brazilian Anderson Varejão in anticipation for the Rio Games.
"It’s a great place," James said to Rio 2016.
"Brazilians are passionate for sports; they are passionate for their country. It is very good to see that people are happy for us to be here."
For Varejão playing an NBA preseason game in his home country was a special, historic moment for him.
"This is a special moment for Brazilian basketball and a special moment for me," Varejão told Rio 2016.
"Ten years ago, I never would have imagined that I could play in an NBA game in Brazil, but now it’s happening and it’s a dream for me."
Varejão represented Brazil at the 2012 Olympics in London. He is expected to compete for a spot on Brazil's 2016 Olympic basketball team.
Homepage Photo: Rio 2016
Written by Aaron Bauer
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