The National Basketball Association has crashed all hopes of Jordan Clarkson playing in the 2018 Asian Games, Sunday morning.
In a statement released by NBA spokesman Tim Frank, the league is not allowing its players to join the continental meet since it is not sanctioned by the International Basketball Federation.
“The NBA’s agreement with FIBA stipulates that NBA players can participate in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Continental Cup competitions, and associated qualifying tournament,” the statement opened.
“Because the Asian Games are not one of those competitions, NBA players are unable to participate.”
China however is fielding in 7-foot-2 big man Zhou Qi, who plays for the Houston Rockets.
With this, the Philippines will have to field Don Trollano as the 12th man for the Philippines. Gilas are set to fly out tonight for Jakarta, Indonesia.
Still, the NBA is open to clearing Clarkson for the upcoming second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“In accordance with the NBA’s agreement with FIBA, Jordan is welcome to represent the Philippines in the agreed-upon competitions.”
