JORDAN Clarkson’s previous appearance for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2018 Asian Games was made possible by a special, one-time exemption from the NBA, underscoring the contractual hurdle surrounding the Filipino-American guard’s potential return to the national team.
The NBA granted Clarkson, then with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a special exemption to compete in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where he represented the Philippines.
The league also granted similar exemptions to then-Houston Rockets center Zhou Qi and then-Dallas Mavericks forward Ding Yanyuhang, who represented China.
According to an NBA statement issued at the time, its agreement with FIBA generally allows NBA players to participate in the Olympics, FIBA Basketball World Cup, continental competitions and their qualifying tournaments.
The Asian Games, however, are not covered by that agreement, meaning NBA players under contract are normally not permitted to participate.
The NBA said it made the exception that time after a lack of clear communication between the league and the Chinese and Philippine basketball federations.
The development is relevant to Gilas’ recent attempt to bring Clarkson back for the upcoming competitions.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone earlier said Clarkson was discussed and considered for the national team but cited NBA contract restrictions as a hurdle to Clarkson’s participation in the Asian Games.
“He was certainly talked about and considered, but there wasn’t enough time to make a run at him for the window, plus the NBA contracts, we’re told, don’t allow for the Asian Games,” Cone told Fastbreak.
Clarkson is now under contract with the reigning NBA champions New York Knicks, making his availability for the 2026 Asian Games dependent on the league and his team’s approval.
The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, with the men’s basketball tournament scheduled from Sept. 10 to 20.
Clarkson’s 2018 stint remains the precedent for an NBA player being allowed to compete in the Asian Games through a special exemption, but such permission is not part of the league’s standard international player release agreement. (Adrian Co)
