Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie has acquired passport to play for Nigerian national basketball team D’Tigers according to reports. Dinwiddie did not make the final list for Team USA.
News about Dinwiddie’s switch to Nigeria was reported by Shams Charania, an NBA insider and analyst for The Athletic and Stadium.
The Olympics are obviously not happening this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but when USA Basketball announced their 44 finalists for the 2020 roster earlier this year, Dinwiddie was not on the list. It’s not clear how the plans to hold the Olympics next summer will affect the Team USA roster, but judging by that exclusion, it’s safe to say he was never going to be part of their plans.
Playing international basketball is an incredible experience, but the depth of talent in the U.S. makes it nearly impossible for anyone but the truly elite players. Acquiring a passport to play for another country is common for players who play in domestic leagues overseas, but it is more rare for NBA players.
News about Dinwiddie’s switch to Nigeria was reported by Shams Charania, an NBA insider and analyst for The Athletic and Stadium.
Now, with the addition of Dinwiddie, the Nigerian national team quietly has a pretty solid roster. Dinwiddie and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie in the backcourt, Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu on the wing and former top-10 pick Ekpe Udoh down low is a nice foundation. Plus, they have Mike Brown as their new coach.
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