During the lockout last summer, Nene asked to be released from representing Brazil in the FIBA Americas championship due to personal and contractual reasons. At the time, it made plenty of sense because he was a free agent and didn’t want to risk his future million dollar contract for something of that nature.
Despite the criticisms that accompanied his decisions, Nene along with Tiago Splitter, Leandro Barbosa and Anderson Varejao have been selected for the national team.
Brazil Coach Ruben Magnano announced on Thursday that Nene, Indiana Pacers guard Leandro Barbosa, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao and Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs would be on his 15-player list for the national team.
Along with Nene, Barbosa also declined to participate in the tournament last summer.
Magnano said in a news conference that he added both players with the hope of fielding the best team. “I decided to give them another chance after personally talking to them,” Magnano said. “I wouldn’t call up a player if I didn’t have any trust in him.”
15 people will be on Brazil’s national team, but only 12 of them will travel to London.
H/T I Am A GM
