NBA Commissioner Sees No Change in International Basketball

(ATR) Despite criticism of the effects that International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and IOC-run events can have on NBA games, the NBA commissioner doesn't see a change in international events coming soon.

After Indiana Pacers forward Paul George suffered a serious leg injury at a FIBA-sponsored Team USA showcase on Friday night, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told USA Today thathe "doesn't anticipate a major shift in the NBA's participation in international competitions."

"The NBA will continue to evaluate the pros and cons of participating in international tournaments.

"Injuries can happen any place at any time. The experiences our players have enjoyed by participating in their national teams ... are ones that are unique and special in almost every other way," Silver added.

According to agreements between FIBA and the NBA, a team can withdraw a player from a FIBA event only if there is a pre-existing injury condition. However, the NBA assumes all financial risk if a player gets injured.

Following George's injury, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told ESPN.com that "the IOC is playing the NBA."

"The pros in multiple sports are smart enough to not play when they are eligible free agents, but teams take on huge financial risk so that the IOC committee members can line their pockets."

"The IOC make a killing and make Tony Soprano look like a saint," he added.

The star of Cuban's Mavericks is Dirk Nowitzki, who has had to carry a large load in international competitions as the standout player on Germany's team.

Cuban suggested that "the players and owners should get together and create our own World Cup of Basketball."

He is the only NBA owner who has been vocal about wanting players to skip international competitions in the summer and has voiced similar opinions in the past.

Written by Andrew Murrell

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