For his first year as general manager of Team USA, Grant Hill strikes a blow. He removes the moral commitment that players had to make under Jerry Colangelo, no longer need to think long term in the American national team.
With the next Basketball World Cup coming up in August and the Paris Olympics a year away, Grant Hill is changing a fundamental point at Team USA. Thanks to his new role as general manager of the national team, he decided to withdraw the cyclical commitments that players had to make to wear the blue, white and red-tinted jersey. No need therefore to sign for two competitions at the same time, everything will be done when the time comes.
“There is no commitment needed, more “if you want to play in the olympics you have to play here”. I understand why it was put in place and I think it’s been a huge success but we think we need to change something regarding it.
A relief that should delight some. At the end of each long and exhausting NBA season, everyone can therefore choose to rest for the next one or join Team USA to add a new trophy to their cupboard, unless France obviously gets involved. Moreover, Steve Kerr, new coach of the Americans, would have already approached Alex Caruso, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane to integrate them into the team for the next world. Nothing official, but Grant Hill in any case sees this change as an “adaptation to the times” and a need for the players.
“If you look at the NBA, it has changed tremendously. It’s changed since I retired in 2013. Every generation is different and it’s important for us as leaders, especially for USA Basketball, to recognize that and be prepared to adapt to that. change.”
In any case, Grant Hill wasted no time and took responsibility from his first year in office. And be careful because, whatever happens, the Ricans squad in September will be monstrously solid.
Source texte : ESPN