MANILA – The NBA bent its rules and allowed Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson and two others to suit up for their national teams in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio claimed on Wednesday he got a call from NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum confirming the go-signal for Clarkson to play for Gilas Pilipinas.
The NBA also gave permission to Zhou Qi of the Houston Rockets and Ding Yanyuhang of the Dallas Mavericks to suit up for China in the same tournament.
“I got a call from NBA’s Mark Tatum saying that they are giving a ‘one-time exception’ to Jordan and the two Chinese players to play in the Asian Games,” Panlilio said.
Earlier the NBA denied Clarkson’s stint in the Asian Games, saying the league is allowed to release its players only for FIBA-sanctioned tournaments and the Olympics and World Cup qualifiers.
Clarkson was elated to be allowed to finally join the Philippine men’s basketball team, calling the chance a “dream come true.”
“PUSO! My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. See you all very soon,” the Filipino-American wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
But Clarkson will only be able to play against China on Aug. 21 and if ever the Philippines reaches the playoffs.
He was set to arrive in Indonesia from Los Angeles at 10 a.m. Thursday – right when the match between Gilas and Kazakhstan starts.
Aside from the Asian Games, the NBA has also allowed Clarkson to play for Gilas in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifier next month in lieu of suspended Andray Blatche./PN
