The NBA lockout may cost Great Britain the services of Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon, reports The Daily Telegraph. The British are gearing up for EuroBasket 2011, which begins August 31 in Lithuania. Gordon hasn't trained with the team and didn't play in Sunday's friendly against the Netherlands. Brendan Gallagher of the Telegraph reports that Gordon isn't comfortable with the insurance plan Great Britain has obtained, and with the fear that were Gordon injured in international play the Pistons could waive him, he's likely to stay off the team.
Ben Gordon Likely To Miss EuroBasket For Great Britain
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng did take G.B.'s insurance. Gallagher describes Deng's view as that he feels it unlikely the Bulls would waive him on account of an injury because he's so vital to the team. Deng is due $51 million over the next three seasons. Gordon is due $48 million over the next four. But Deng is a vital starter, whereas Gordon is rather expendable, even on (or maybe especially on) a rebuilding club in Detroit.
Britain had a tall task at EuroBasket even with Gordon, as the nation finds itself grouped with Spain, Lithuania and Turkey. Britain does have an automatic bid to the London Olympics next summer on account of being the host nation.
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