NBATV/ABC News(NEW YORK) — Despite the devastating injury to Indiana Pacers forward Paul George during a scrimmage for Team USA, NBA commissioner Adam Silver does not foresee “a major shift in the NBA’s participation in international competitions.”
Still, Silver admitted that George’s injury will re-open conversations about whether or not the NBA’s best players should be participating in international competitions.
“Without a doubt, basketball has grown tremendously since 1992, when NBA players began playing in the Olympics,” Silver said. “Also, it’s important to note the [improvement] many of our players have made in terms of ability, leadership and passion for the game by playing for their home countries.”
“Injuries can happen any place at any time,” he continued. “The experiences our players have enjoyed by participating in their national teams, however, are ones that are unique and special in almost every other way. At this point, I don’t anticipate a major shift in the NBA’s participation in international competitions.”
“It seems clear, however, that this will be a topic at our next NBA competition committee meeting in September and our board of governors meeting in October. And, of course, we will continue to evaluate the pros and cons of participating in international tournaments,” Silver concluded.
On Friday night, George suffered a compound leg fracture and is likely to miss the entire 2014-2015 season.
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