Luol Deng receives a green signal to play in FIBA EuroBasket: NBA Update
Chicago Bulls’ small forward Luol Deng has finally received a green signal to play in the European Basketball Champion after the dispute over his insurance came to an end. The 26 year old Deng, who will play for Great Britain in
the upcoming tournament, is the second Bulls player to have been linked with a FIBA Euro Basket stint recently. According to reports, Joakim Noah, the Bulls centre is also France bound for the same tournament.
Chicago superstar Deng released a statement confirming that the “significant liability issue” has been resolved and now he is cleared to join the Great Britain Basketball team. The European Basketball Championship will take place
in Lithuania from 31st of August to 18th of September.
"Playing for GB has always been hugely important to me so I'm really glad we could resolve this. It has been a long process but a great team effort. I can't wait to get back to the UK to run my Foundation camps before joining up
with the team to prepare for Lithuania." Luol said.
After the National Basketball Association locked out its players upon the expiration of the old collecting Bargaining Agreement on July1, the whole insurance burden has been transferred on the international federations. The International
governing body of Basketball, FIBA clearly states that the players will receive authorization to play in the certified events, only if their contracts are insured.
Britain saw the dispute of the insurance coming nearly four months ago when the possibility of the work stoppage started to become a reality. The manager of Great Britain team Ron Wuotilia has been working continuously with the
agent and lawyers of Deng in the recent weeks to shake the most affordable deal that will cover everything. On Wednesday, both the parties finally formed an accord which now gives clearance to the NBA star to go on board.
Luol’s Chicago based attorney Brian Heidelberger was delighted that the arrangement was finalized for Deng, who had earlier expressed strong desire to play for his country.
"We were delighted that we could fulfil Luol's strong desire to compete for his country while at the same time protecting his business interests. GB means a huge amount to Luol which, in turn, means a huge amount to his management
team." Brian said.
All eyes are now on the Detroit Pistons veteran guard Ben Gordon, another player who is in the list of UK probables for the tournament that is also an Olympic qualifier this time around .
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