USA Basketball hopes that the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics will take place at the same time next year as they were supposed to occur this year.
Otherwise, the situation, which is already complex, could become even more challenging for coaches and players.
> IOC officially postpones Tokyo Olympics
Jerry Colangelo, the managing director of USA Basketball, announced on Tuesday that he has put planning for the next Olympics on hold. Colangelo stated that there is currently nothing to do but wait and see when the Tokyo games will take place 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.”
At present, Colangelo is resolute about staying in his position until 2021, and the coaching staff shares the same commitment. The head coach is Gregg Popovich from the San Antonio Spurs, assisted by Steve Kerr from the Golden State Warriors, Lloyd Pierce from the Atlanta Hawks, and Jay Wright from Villanova.
However, that’s only possible if the schedule allows it.
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 appears to hint at the potential for an earlier-than-normal Olympics. This could result in significant changes to the U.S. plans if the Tokyo Games take place in April, May, or June.
Colangelo expressed optimism that the event will occur during the same period next summer as it was slated for this summer. He acknowledged that many factors beyond their control must align. He cited that they are dependent on decisions from various organizations including the NBA, FIBA, the USOC, and the International Olympic Committee, among others. He stated that they are currently awaiting the confirmed dates, after which they will mobilize their plans.
USA Basketball intended to select a 12-man roster for the Tokyo Olympics in June from a pool of 44 potential players. Given the anticipated schedule, it is expected that NBA players will be able to participate in 2021, and as such, most if not all of these 44 players will likely be considered for selection next year.
Colangelo said, “These are extraordinary times. When the bell rings, we’ll prepare ourselves.”
