By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Mirotic will not be part of the Spain roster for the Olympic Games, barring a last-minute change, according to AS.
Mirotic, 30, prefers to focus on his family after a complicated year at a personal level rather than following up the demanding season at the club level with the bubble expected for the Tokyo Games, notes the report. Perhaps FC Barcelona teammate and Spain legend, Pau Gasol, can change his mind but it seems the decision has been made.
The potentially strict health and safety regulations to be implemented have affected Ricky Rubio as well. The Minnesota Timberwolves point guard, in a recent interview to The Athletic, mentioned he is considering more time with his family instead of going through the necessary process to represent his county at the highest level of international basketball.
Serge Ibaka, the other naturalized player eligible to play for Spain besides Mirotic, is also unlikely to be named to the squad after his injury-filled campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has not suited up for La Roja since 2014.
The final roster selected by Sergio Scariolo is set to face Argentina and tournament-host Japan in Group C of the Olympic Games preliminary round. The winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas will complete the group.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL