What has happened in USA basketball? Why does most of the players are withdrawing from playing for FIBA world cup? I think there is something that the public does not know why or is there any conflict between players and the management.
Most of the star players from the NBA that were withdrawing from Team USA were just focusing on the upcoming season, business decision as they say and there is nothing to do with conflict between them and the coaching staff. I think their move would benefit the young and upcoming superstars in the NBA as they can now showcase their talent overseas and will boast their market value. "Business decision" is the best way to put it. Most of these players are internationally known already and dont have to build their international brand. If they get hurt in these international games it can have huge financial implications as well.
Rare are players like Dirk Nowitzki who regularly played for Germany even though he was a star in NBA and great player. European players in general tend to care a lot about national team in every sport.
Best example of that is Nikos Galis,scoring machine and best Greek basketball player of all time and one of the greatest European players of all time. He refused to come back to NBA and play for then best team, Boston Celtics, and play with Bird, Parish, McHale, Walton etc and win few NBA titles just because that would mean he wouldn't be able to play for Greek national team, due stupid Fiba rules. And that meant so much to him.
Something like this is unimaginable nowadays,i hope Giannis will follow his steps.
Looking forward to Serbia vs Greece match tonight. Cold mastixa is ready, just need some gyros
