Klay Thompson: How could he join Bahamas after Team USA stint? / News - Basketnews.com

Klay Thompson's eligibility to play for the Bahamas explained: he should be released by the USA, FIBA's approval would be required, considering that Klay is transitioning to a developing national team program, and Thompson must have a valid passport from the new country.

Credit: FIBA, AFP - Scanpix Credit FIBA, AFP - Scanpix

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson has recently expressed his strong consideration to join the Bahamas national team next summer, in preparation for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

This move is aimed at assisting the Bahamas in securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Klay's motivation for this decision is deeply rooted in his family's connection to the Bahamas, particularly his father, Mychal Thompson.

Mychal, a former NBA No. 1 overall pick, has Bahamian heritage, having been born in Nassau. Klay explained, "My father never had the opportunity to represent the Bahamas in basketball during the 70s and 80s, which is why this holds special significance for our family."

Klay has previously represented Team USA in a couple of international competitions, notably at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, where he secured gold medals on both occasions.

To facilitate Klay Thompson's switch to the Bahamas national team, several steps need to be taken.

Firstly, the United States would have to release the 33-year-old player. Additionally, FIBA's approval would be required, considering that Klay is transitioning to a developing national team program, which is perceived as being in basketball's best interest (Article 22 of FIBA's Internal Regulations).

Eric Gordon recently undertook a similar path, becoming the Bahamas' "naturalized" player. However, FIBA regulations specify that each national team can have only one such player. Consequently, a choice would need to be made between Gordon and Thompson.

FIBA has also established specific criteria that control players changing their national team representation.

A player who has previously represented one country may become eligible to represent another country if they meet the following criteria:

The player must have a valid passport from the new country. The player must not have represented any national team at the senior level in an official FIBA competition (e.g., FIBA Basketball World Cup or Olympic Games) for a minimum of three years since their last appearance with the previous national team. The player must obtain approval from FIBA and the national basketball federation of the new country. Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.