France's Batum won't play versus Gilas

France Assistant coach Ruddy Nelhomme confirmed to Rappler that NBA player Nicolas Batum will not suit up for their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament match versus the Philippines on Tuesday, July 5, citing “contract concerns.”

“He’s in our roster but he won’t play. Contract concerns. He also won’t play in our next match versus New Zealand (on July 7),” said Nelhomme, who has been with France head coach Vincent Collet’s staff since 2010.

Batum just completed a contract renegotiation with the Charlotte Hornets that will pay him US $120 million for the next 5 years. Batum won’t be able to sign his new contract until July 7; the date allowed by the NBA.

Nelhomme confirmed that Batum will fly to Manila only after the contract is signed. “So if he plays, maybe for our third game. If we make it to the semi-finals,” added the coach.

“It’s a tough situation,” described the coach, “Not having Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, and other guys. But it is what it is. Life moves on. We play.”

source: rappler.com

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