Slovenia - Nets F Nachbar out of EuroBasket

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Slovenia forward Bostjan Nachbar has decided not to play at EuroBasket 2007 and will instead focus on playing well in the last year of his contract with the New Jersey Nets.

The 26-year-old just completed one of his finest seasons in the NBA since joining the Houston Rockets as a rookie in 2002. In 2006-07, the 6-9 Nachbar played in 76 regular-season games and averaged career highs in points (9.2), field goal percentage (45.7) and rebounds (3.3).

Nachbar has been a mainstay on the Slovenian squad along with fellow NBA players Rasho Nesterovic and Primoz Brezec, and European-based stars Sani Becirovic, Jaka Lakovic and Marko Milic.

"After being included in six of the last seven groups of players that participated on the last big competitions, I only skipped playing for the national team the year I was drafted for the NBA and had to have a hernia operation," he said. "I have now decided not to accept the invitation to participate in EuroBasket 2007.

"I would like to point out that this has nothing to do with the (national team) coach Ales Pipan, who has done a lot of good things for me and my career, or any other member of the national team - as some suggest."

Instead, Nachbar said he is putting his career first.

"I have decided this way only because my contract in the NBA will expire next season," he said. "That means that the season in front of me will be the most important in my career. I cannot afford to start the season, after which I will be able to sign a new contract of up to five years, tired or unprepared."

Nachbar's absence is a blow as Slovenia are already is without two other frontcourt players in Milic and Brezec. Milic is recovering from injury while Brezec is resting this summer to prepare for next season with the Charlotte Bobcats. He reported for duty with the Charlotte last year suffering from exhaustion and ultimately missed a lot of games.

"I am very sorry to withdraw, as a European or World Championship is always a great experience for players and fans," Nachbar said.

"But I had to be fair to myself and give the advantage to my career. Now I will follow my friends through TV and I'm sure the Slovenian team still has the quality to achieve the seventh place and with that qualifications for the Olympic games."

The top two places at the EuroBasket qualify for the Beijing Olympics - other than hosts Spain, who booked their place in China by winning the FIBA World Championship. The next four places will have the opportunity to play in the additional Olympic qualifying tournament next year.

"I can confirm that I will again join the national team after this EuroBasket," Nachbar said.