USA Basketball is aspiring for the postponed Tokyo Olympics to take place around the same period next year as it was originally planned for this year.
Otherwise, the situation, which is already complicated, could become even more difficult for coaches and players.
> IOC officially postpones Tokyo Olympics
Jerry Colangelo, the managing director of USA Basketball, announced on Tuesday that he has halted planning for the next Olympics. He pointed out that there is currently nothing to do but wait to find out the exact date of the Tokyo games in 2021, and whether the new schedule will clash with the NBA schedule.
“It’s pretty simple, isn’t it? We either have NBA players or we don’t,” Colangelo told The Associated Press. “And if we don’t, we’ll look at the other options.”
Currently, Colangelo has committed to maintaining his position through 2021, a commitment shared by the coaching staff. The team is led by U.S. Coach Gregg Popovich from the San Antonio Spurs, and his assistant coaches are Steve Kerr from the Golden State Warriors, Lloyd Pierce from the Atlanta Hawks, and Jay Wright from Villanova.
However, that’s all dependent on the schedule.
This summer’s Olympics were to begin July 24, which typically is part of the NBA offseason. When the International Olympic Committee announced the postponement of this summer’s games on Tuesday, a decision made because of the global coronavirus pandemic, it said the delay would last “no more than one year.”
The phrasing implies a potential for an earlier-than-scheduled Olympics. If the Tokyo Games take place in April, May or June, this could significantly alter the U.S. plans.
Colangelo expressed optimism that the event would occur during the same period next summer as it was planned for this summer. He acknowledged that many factors beyond their control need to be addressed. He clarified that they are not in the driver’s seat in this situation, but rather dealing with entities like the NBA, FIBA, the USOC, and the International Olympic Committee. He said that they are currently waiting for the announcement of the dates, after which they will spring into action.
USA Basketball intended to select the 12-man squad for the Tokyo Olympics in June. They had 44 players in contention. Assuming the NBA players can participate in 2021, most or perhaps all of these players will probably be considered for the list next year.
Colangelo stated, “These are extraordinary times. When the bell rings, we’ll prepare ourselves.”
