Jorge Garbajosa defends Brown's naturalization: 'He has left many things behind' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Imago Sport – Scanpix, Fotodiena.lt/E.Blaževičius Credit Imago Sport – Scanpix, Fotodiena.lt/E.Blaževičius

The decision to provide express naturalization for Lorenzo Brown, who has not played in any Spanish team and has no roots in Spain, was welcomed with serious doubts and critique, especially, by the Spanish Players Union.

Lorenzo Brown

MIN:29.36PTS:13.75 (55.38%)REB:3.63As:6.08ST:1.5BL:0.17TO:2.92GM:24ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

The opposing side confronted the president of the Spanish Basketball Federation, Jorge Garbajosa, noting that such action "sends a very harmful message to national athletes and has a negative impact on both the present and the future".

However, former player Garbajosa believes that Brown's naturalization is "a decision that will come in handy for Spanish basketball" in order to remain competitive.

"Lorenzo has given up his American passport to play for Spain. He has left many things behind, and it is appreciated," Garbajosa stressed, via COPE.es.

"If you have a player with such a great interest in playing, it would be a mistake to let it go," he added.

The 44-year-old does not think the naturalization will have a negative impact on the young players, who dream about suiting up for the Spanish national team.

"In the last five years, many players have debuted for the Spanish national team. This Federation is giving opportunities to young people."

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.