HOUSTON (Rio 2016 Olympic Games/FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - It's too early to say which players will represent Brazil at the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 but the presence of veterans like Nene would no doubt aid the healing process for a country that fell short of its aims at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Nene was a bright spot for the Brazilians in his second Summer Games, averaging 13 points and 6.4 rebounds in his five appearances.

Nene played well for Brazil at the Olympics

The expectation is that he and other veterans will hold their hands up to play for national team, which right now doesn't have a coach, next summer.

That tournament would allow each to get rid of the Olympic hangover. Narrow setbacks to Lithuania, Croatia and South American rivals Argentina in Group B prevented Brazil from advancing to the last eight. What the ninth-place finish did not do was dampen Nene's enthusiasm for donning his national team shirt.

"Representing my country is a big thing," he said. "It's a great thing for me, and this is why we make all the sacrifices me make."

Returning to the NBA has been a positive distraction from the Olympic disappointment. He has left the Washington Wizards for the Houston Rockets and is now getting a chance to rub shoulders on a daily basis with experienced play-caller Mike D'Antoni.

The change of scenery been good for the 34-year-old Brazilian. It's helped that D'Antoni values his skill set and respects him as a player.

"We play a certain way, and it kind of fits his style for us," D'Antoni said to the Houston Chronicle. "He's going to be a playmaker for us from the top of the key. He can do a lot of things."

Nene has been in the league since he was drafted 14 years ago with the seventh overall pick. He spent the first decade of his career with Denver before playing for the Wizards for four seasons. If anyone believes that his best years are behind him, his performance this season for the Rockets and D'Antoni may prove otherwise.

"Don't look (at) my age," he said. "I still do my damage."

FIBA