Less than 2 weeks left until World Cup, and there is risk in the air that Nigeria might not participate in it. Simply because they don't have money to travel to China. Ridiculous...
https://sportando.basketball/en/nigeria-participation-to-the-world-cup-at-risk-over-lack-of-funds/It is just different mentality.
I don't know how it is in other parts of the world, but here in Europe national team is something very important to everyone that likes the sport. So it is normal that those players, that are raised in those countries also care about the national team and success, knowing how much joy they can bring, and how much people in their countries care.I currently live in Athens, and even though i'm not Greek, it is hard not to admire how people here love watching their basketball team, everything stops when Greece plays.
And that is why both Giannis and Jokic will play for their national teams despite heavy schedule last season, injury risks etc.And same thing Nowitzki did for years before them.While Nikos Galis was on another level, refusing an offer to play with Celtics and win few titles so he can keep playing for Greece.
I agree about different mentality. Stars like Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, now Jokic, Giannis and others never say no for the national team, unless they have injuries. Here in Europe it's honour to play for the national team and represent your country. Trophy or medal with national team might be biggest achievement in player's career. In US national team isn't such big, everything is about NBA here. But I think if other teams would give better competition for US in World Cup and Olympics, their attitude soon might change.