By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
The format of the qualifiers has created many issues for the national teams but also the NBA players who, despite their given willingness, have also to have the blessing of their franchise in order to compete even in the offseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Jonas Valanciunas and many other stars will have to reschedule their appointment for the World Cup, where they are expected to return to their national teams.
There are, however, also those who will be reinforcing their countries in September’s qualifiers. Based on the facts we have so far, 18 NBA players will be present in the European “window,” while there were also 17 players in the games of June and July. Compared to the total of European NBA players, they are a minority and that makes the boost that they provide to their national teams more than valuable.
Eurohoops rounded up those players who we will enjoy watching, barring any unforeseen circumstances…
Dario Saric (Croatia – Philadelphia 76ers)
So what if he’s coming off a packed season of 88 games with the Sixers in the regular season and playoffs of the NBA? Dario Saric will represent the national team of Croatia, continuing an impressive streak of appearances with his country, as he hasn’t been absent from the summer of 2013 until today.
At 24, Saric has secured a starter’s position in the NBA and the national team, and he knows that he has a long and difficult season ahead of him. Despite that, Croatia will have him at their disposal, which means they are going to be highly competitive.
Bojan Bogdanovic (Croatia – Indiana Pacers)
Bojan Bogdanovic will be Croatia’s other big star to briefly set aside his commitments in the NBA in order to attend the World Cup qualifiers.
Like Saric, Bogdanovic is also coming off a season in which his commitments were many and tough. Actually, the charismatic scorer played in 87 games last season in the colors of the Pacers and was a benchmark in the team’s offense.