June 18 update: Klay Thompson is set to join the Bahamas national basketball team this week for a training camp in Houston. However, sources indicate that he is not expected to be cleared to represent the Bahamas in this summer’s Olympic qualifying tournament.
Thompson, who won gold with Team USA in 2016, would need approval from both USA Basketball and FIBA to compete for the Bahamas in the qualifying event and beyond, which is unlikely to happen.
Thompson has strong ties to the Bahamas, as his father was born there. Additionally, Anta, the sports apparel company sponsoring Thompson, will also sponsor the Bahamas team and provide equipment.
The Bahamas national team will travel to Greece for exhibition games against Montenegro on June 25 and Greece on June 27, followed by the Olympic qualifying tournament in Spain on July 2. The six-team tournament also includes Spain, Angola, and Lebanon, with the winner securing a spot in the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Thompson is one of the most high-profile free agents in the NBA, and his future with the Golden State Warriors remains uncertain. For the first time in his career, Thompson has shown a willingness to explore external options. League sources say there remains mutual interest between Thompson and the Orlando Magic. The Warriors have made it clear they want Thompson back at the right price and in the right role.
Klay Thompson to Join Bahamas National Team for Training Camp but Not Expected to Play in Olympic Qualifiers. Author:Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced:https://www.sportsuefa.com/basketball-headlines/8178.html