Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Steven Adams won't play for Tall Blacks
NBA basketball star Steven Adams won't be playing for the Tall Blacks at this year's World Cup in China.
Last week Adams was named in an extended squad of 25 for the September tournament, but at the time Basketball New Zealand said they were still to confirm his availability.
Basketball New Zealand has since received the following statement from Steven Adams' agent at Wasserman Media Group.
"Steven's support of the Tall Blacks and his interest in playing for the program at some point down the line is unwavering.
"While he won't be participating this year with the National Team, his plan is to evaluate the opportunity to play in the 2020 Olympics following the upcoming NBA season."
To qualify for the Olympics, the Tall Blacks must finish higher than the other Oceania team at the World Cup, Australia, or finish in the top four of one of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in June 2020.
Adams, who plays centre for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA, is yet to play a game for New Zealand.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Peter Dunne: Luxon Gets Out His Butcher's Knife - Briefly
Binoy Kampmark: Warring Against Encryption, Australia Is Coming For Your Communications
Gordon Campbell: On Fast Track Powers, Media Woes And The Tiktok Ban
Binoy Kampmark: Censorship Wars, Elon Musk, Safety Commissioners And Violent Content
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
Ramzy Baroud: NATO’s Never-ending War: The 75-Year-Old Bully Is Faltering