Paris Olympics: Qualification Failure Casts Doubt on Timberwolves Star’s National Future, Days After Rich Paul’s ‘High IQ’ Praise

As the Paris Olympics are approaching ahead, the basketball epitomes will unite in an attempt to secure the gold medal for their nation. However, the situation does not seem favorable to the Chinese Men’s national basketball team as they could not secure their qualification for the upcoming summer Olympics. They acquired the Minnesota Timberwolves star Kyle Anderson through the process of naturalization of citizenship to perform well for the qualifiers. However, they could only win against Angola in the FIBA World Cup last September and lost the rest of the four matches.

In addition to that, the Chinese national team lost its chance to move to the Paris Olympics after they lost to Japan again in February this year during the Asia Cup Qualifiers. As reported by the Global Times, the Chinese could not secure a spot for the Paris Olympics despite having good play from Kyle Anderson. It raised concern about Kyle’s presence on the national team that he secured last year. Yet reportedly, the Wolves star’s agent clarified that Anderson remains committed to the team and is willing to play in significant matches in the future.

Such blunders at the International level to the team who were considered underdogs, it has brought repercussions. The action is not taken on Kyle, but the Chinese Basketball Association has dismissed its national basketball coach, Aleksandar Djordjevic. The Serbian coach expressed his gratitude for the Chinese Federation and extended his support to the team. For now, the Chinese team seems to be focused on the 2028 Olympics after the Paris Olympics qualification failure.

Kyle Anderson: An athlete who could have drawn China to the Paris Olympics

Kyle Anderson is a pro basketball player whose presence and playmaking skills often deliver excellently on the court. The biggest on-field example of this fans experienced three weeks ago during Mavericks vs Timberwolves Game 4 in the playoffs. The play that Kyle created got acknowledgment and appreciation from Anthony Edwards and KAT after the game. When Edwards was locked in a one-on-one situation with a Mavericks defender, Kyle quickly responded.

He quickly called Towns to move deep into the side of the arc and signaled Edwards to pass. After this, he provided a KAT screen and helped him to score a three-point. This is a great basketball IQ when the opponent team was underestimating the Wolves players’ IQ. Even Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul could not stop himself from praising that play. “Young players pay attention. This is high IQ basketball that exceeds your ranking as an individual talent, “ Paul wrote on Twitter resharing Kyle’s clip from the game.

Considering such prowess on-court, no wonder Kyle could have taken the Chinese team to the Paris Olympics. However, basketball is a team game and there is no place for a single effort. As mentioned before, Kyle is a good playmaker. But the whole team needs to raise its standards to match his pace. What do you all think the Chinese team could have done better to qualify? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.