GER - Kaman: "I didn't have the opportunity to play for the USA so here I am"

BEIJING (Olympics) – Germany have Chris Kaman for now, but he may not be around next summer for the national team at the EuroBasket in Poland if Dirk Nowitzki doesn’t play.

That was the revelation by the American-born center after his 24 points helped propel the Germans to a 95-66 victory over Angola on the opening day of the men’s basketball tournament at the Olympics.

When asked if he would play for Germany in Poland, Kaman said to FIBA.com: "I don't know. It has a lot to do with Dirk, to be honest.

“Me and Dirk have done some talking and he wants to take a little bit of time off.

“I was hoping he (Dirk) would come back and play next year because that would make me for sure play, for sure.

“But if he doesn't, it is something I'm going to have to think about and talk to coach Dirk Bauermann."

Kaman, who was able to obtain a passport at the start of July and play for Dirk Bauermann’s team because his great grandparents were German, said he might have played for the country of his birth but explained: “I didn’t have the opportunity to play for the USA, so here I am.”

Here is the interview Kaman gave after his team’s win over Angola.

How difficult was the decision to play for Germany, Chris?

Kaman: "I was debating the decision to go for the German team all the time and I am happy to have made the decision. People have been saying negative things about it. I'm just trying to do the best job I can and be positive about it.

What was the reason for saying yes to Germany?

Kaman: I didn't have the opportunity to play for the USA so here I am. Basically for me was the chance to play summer basketball because every summer for the last five years, I have been going but not doing much playing summer league in the NBA. It's not the same. It's not as competitive.

Give us your thoughts on some of the criticism Becky Hammon has received for deciding to become a citizen and play for Russia?

Kaman: Becky and I have had some issues. I feel bad for myself and for her. We just want to play basketball. We don't have opportunities to play basketball for the USA. Basically it boils down to whatever you do, someone is always going to say something negative. We just have to look at the positive and try to stay positive. The negative doesn't get you very far. Becky's situation is slightly different because I don't think she has any relatives (that hail from Russia) but if she wants to play and they are going to let her, I don't see a problem there.

What do you say to those who consider you and Becky to be unpatriotic?

Kaman: People are marking her and myself as traitors but I'm not doing that to do something against the USA. It's just an opportunity to have fun and play basketball. USA didn't ask me. I just want to play basketball. Give me a little credit, I have an idea of what I'm doing. I've been playing basketball since I was five years old and I obviously still have United States citizenship so it's not like I'm a traitor.

You mentioned the United States. What do you consider their chances of winning the gold medal to be?

Kaman: "If they don't win, there is something wrong. It’s not that anybody cannot beat them. I don't think it can (will) be done. Who knows?

You seem to be comfortable shooting with both your left and right hands.

Kaman: "I work hard in shooting and around the rim, outside, on free throws. I work as hard as the next guy and just play ball.

What chances did you give Germany of reaching Beijing?

Kaman: I didn't think we were going to get to the Olympics. We had to qualify, we had to win five games in six days and it was pretty tough and we were able to do it and here we are. I'm just trying to enjoy myself and have some fun.

Did you ever play with a junior national team before?

Kaman: Growing up, I wasn't that great at basketball. I could jump and run and I was tall. I worked hard in college. I had a coach who was a big advocate of hard work, so that got me to where I am today."

Will you commit to the national team and, for example, play for Germany next year at the EuroBasket in Poland?

Kaman: "I don't know. It has a lot to do with Dirk, to be honest. Me and Dirk have done some talking and he wants to take a little bit of time off. I was hoping he would come back and play next year because that would make me for sure play, for sure. But if he doesn't, it is something I'm going to have to think about and talk to coach Dirk Bauermann."

How fit are you for the Olympics, Chris?

Kaman: "Three months ago, I rolled my ankle and I'm still trying to come back from that. I'm not playing at my full strength right now. I just have to be careful. Coach has been given me some free days to recover.

So what are Germany’s chances?

Kaman: We have a great opportunity here. We have a great basketball team and I think we are better than we think we are.

Spain will be one of the teams that you get to take on in Group B. What about that game?

Kaman: It is going to be a tough one for our guards against Spain, who are one of the best teams in the world alongside Team USA. I am excited about the opportunity. We’ll see what happens.

FIBA