OKC Thunder, New Zealand’s Steven Adams not coming to Manila OQT

MANILA, Philippines – New Zealand will reportedly be without NBA big man Steven Adams when it comes to Manila from July 4-10 for one of the 3 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, per FIBA’s official website.

Adams, a 22-year-old starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder, also missed the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship.

France, Senegal, Turkey, and Canada join both the Philippines and New Zealand in July, with the winner of the tournament gaining one of the remaining 3 slots for the men’s basketball tournament of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The loss of the 7-foot Adams is big. So far this NBA season, he’s averaged 7.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, according to ESPN. He’s also considered one of the better rim protectors in the league.

But even without the OKC big, New Zealand head coach Paul Henare is still confident his team can prevail in the Manila OQT and book a ticket to Rio.

“Of course we would have liked to have Steven join the 2016 campaign,” said Henare. 

“I’ve said it before that he is world class and would bring plenty to our group, just as we believe the Tall Blacks environment would offer plenty to Steve.”

The 36-year-old head coach also said that:

“Our history shows the Tall Blacks are a formidable team that can mix it with the best in the world, I think you’ll find that 2016 is no different. The Tall Blacks have a proud history and a strong culture that produces focused and committed teams.”

Both New Zealand and the hometown Gilas Pilipinas face stiff competition in France as part of the Manila OQT’s Group B. 

FIBA reports that the Frenchmen are likely to include Rudy Gobert, Utah’s starting center who’s one of the top-tier rim protectors in the NBA. Tony Parker has also confirmed that he’s participating in the Olympic Qualifiers.

Group A is also challenging. FIBA says Turkey is likely to have NBA big man Omer Asik, while Senegal – which Gilas beat in the World Cup nearly two years ago – will have Gorgui Dieng of the Timberwolves.

FIBA also reports that Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson and Boston Celtics stretch big Kelly Olynyk are “in the squad” for Canada. There’s also reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins, who may see action for the Canadians. – Rappler.com