NEW YORK _ Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie is making arrangements to play for the Nigerian men's basketball team, according to a report from The Athletic. Dinwiddie was not among the 44 players who USA Basketball named as finalists for the Olympic team in February.
It's understandable that Dinwiddie, who grew up and went to high school in southern California, would feel snubbed by his home country. That list of 44 players includes one of Dinwiddie's Nets teammates, Joe Harris, who produces less for the same team _ although Harris' superior 3-point shooting is relevant in international play. The 44-player USA Basketball list also includes Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee and Mason Plumlee.
Former Lakers/Cavs and current Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown coaches the Nigerian national team.
The D'Tigers are qualified for the next Olympics, whenever they actually happen. Because of the coronavirus, the Games are currently scheduled for January 2021 in Tokyo. Nigeria has made the last two Olympics, going 1-4 and getting eliminated in group play in both.
Before the NBA suspended its season, Dinwiddie was averaging a career-high 20.6 points per game for the Nets.
