NBA release Philippines’ Clarkson for Asian Games

MANILA: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson will suit up for the Philippines at the Asian Games in Indonesia, the country’s basketball federation announced, just days after the National Basketball Association (NBA) said they would not release him for the event.

The NBA granted a “one-time exception” for the 26-year-old Clarkson and two Chinese players – Houston Rockets centre Zhou Qi and Dallas Mavericks forward Ding Yanyuhang – to represent their countries at the 2018 Asiad.

Born in the United States, Clarkson is eligible to play for the Philippines as it is his maternal grandmother’s country of origin.

“This action of the NBA will no doubt cheer the hearts of Filipinos here and all over the world,” the Philippines’ national basketball federation said.

The US league had earlier refused Clarkson permission to play in tournament, being held in Indonesia from Aug 18 to Sept 2.

The Asian Games is the world’s largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, but is not among the competitions NBA players are allowed to participate in under an agreement between the league and FIBA, basketball’s world governing body.

“My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. See you all very soon!” Clarkson wrote on Facebook and posted a photo of himself in a Philippines shirt.

A purported NBA announcement confirming the decision was posted on the website of its local broadcast partner but could not be independently verified.

The league’s representatives in Manila could not be reached for comment yesterday.