ARG - Contract uncertainty may keep Nocioni off national team
CHICAGO (FIBA Americas Championship) – Andres Nocioni is a basketball icon in his native Argentina. He’s a tough-as-nails forward who forged a successful career in Europe, captured a gold medal at the Athens Games in 2004 and established a successful NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. Argentinians adore him as they do San Antonio Spurs duo Manu Ginobili and Fabricio Oberto, and Tau Ceramica sensation Luis Scola.
CHICAGO (FIBA Americas Championship) – Andres Nocioni is a basketball icon in his native Argentina.
He’s a tough-as-nails forward who forged a successful career in Europe, captured a gold medal at the Athens Games in 2004 and then established himself as a force in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls.
Argentinians adore him, just as they do San Antonio Spurs duo Manu Ginobili and Fabricio Oberto, and Tau Ceramica sensation Luis Scola.
But Chapu, as the 27-year-old Nocioni is nicknamed, may not be able to play for his country this summer when they attempt to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.
"I want to be in Las Vegas," he said in a teleconference with reporters.
"I want to play for the national team to qualify for the (2008 Olympic) Games, but I cannot said today if I will be able."
Nocioni’s current deal with Chicago finishes after this season and if the contract is not settled soon enough, he may still be looking to sort out his career when the Argentina players are gathering for the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.
"I need to wait and be calm," he said.
"I need to know if I will continue with Chicago or not.
The FIBA Americas Championship will run from August 22 to September 2.
"I will be thinking about a new contract with Chicago or I will be looking for a new team," Nocioni said.
"I want to play for Argentina, but I do not know what it is going to happen."
Nocioni, meanwhile, admits he would love to have Pau Gasol as a Bulls team-mate with rumours circulating that Gasol may be traded away from Memphis.
"It would be superb to have Gasol in the squad alongside Ben Wallace," Nocioni said.
"It would be wonderful, that team power. But there are always rumours."
Gasol missed the early part of the NBA campaign after suffering a metatarsal injury in Spain’s semi-final win over Argentina at the FIBA World Championship.
Nocioni fears, because of that injury, that teams may not want their superstars playing in international competition.
"(The clubs) will try to not allow us to play for the national team," he said.
As for his place with the Bulls, Nocioni said: “I do not know about me. I want to stay here, but if I not, I will have to look for a new team.”
By Jeff Taylor, FIBA