Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

[ex carrabba fan]

Interesting..

July 2, 2008

It is official now, Chris Kaman just received his German passport in the German consulate in Los Angeles. So the Germany now added big firepower in the paint for the upcoming Olympic qualification in Athens.

With the help of German minister Wolfgang Schäuble, the US born Center with German roots is now cleared to play together with Dirk Nowitzki. As the details have been discussed with FIBA already in advance, Kaman is immediately avalaible to play for the National team. When he will join Dirk Bauermann and the rest of the squad will be determined in the next days.

http://www.ballineurope.com/countries/germany/breaking-news-kaman-cleared-to-play-for-germany/

[bball_1523]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

wow that is cool. I like to see other countries with more nba talent or talent in general, though I don't know much about the talent overseas compared to the nba.

[jt45]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't have a problem if a player or his parents were born in a particular country but now reside in the US, but with Kaman this isn't right. Just like Becky Hammond (sp?) playing for Russia. It just isn't right.

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't have a problem if a player or his parents were born in a particular country but now reside in the US, but with Kaman this isn't right. Just like Becky Hammond (sp?) playing for Russia. It just isn't right.

They both have dual citizenship. If the USA doesn't want them, I think it's fine to use that unique citizenship for playing for another team. It's not like we're talking about espionage.

It's a basketball game.

[Kashanova]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't have a problem if a player or his parents were born in a particular country but now reside in the US, but with Kaman this isn't right. Just like Becky Hammond (sp?) playing for Russia. It just isn't right.

Tell me how it isn't right? I would understand if he wasn't german at all but he is so how isn't it right?

[Bornindamecca]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

Tell me how it isn't right? I would understand if he wasn't german at all but he is so how isn't it right?

Holy crap, I'm about to agree with Kash. Before I go on to do that: "KB24 Rulez! Go Mamba!"

Ok....

I think this is about race, in a way. If Chris Kaman were Puerto Rican, but his parents were actually born here, I don' think anyone would bat an eye at him playing for the place of his ancestors. Caucasians are looked at as being more responsible for a certain amount of patriotism because of a certain historic precedent.

With Hammond, it's totally different. The life span and earning of a female basketball player is not such that she can turn away a 3 figure contract in favor of sitting on her couch and watching her family spend her money. For her it's about livelihood. She's rich, but she's not filthy stinking rich. 6 bad months could have her in debt just like that.

The only thing I question about Kaman is motivation. While I think he has the right to play for Germany, unless he thinks of himself as a German, I don't get why he'd want to do it.

[ZB9]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't get why he'd want to do it.

to play basketball? To have a chance to play basketball in the olympics?

i doubt USA basketball was breaking down his door

[Bornindamecca]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

to play basketball? To have a chance to play basketball in the olympics?

i doubt USA basketball was breaking down his door

I thought the point of the Olympics was to represent your countrymen. If he considers himself German, then I get it. If he considers himself American, I don't.

[Brankles]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

It's not Chris Kaman's fault, it's these stupid Olympic rules. If you're not born or live (or used to live) in the country you're playing for, there's no reason you should be allowed to play for them.

[jmood88]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't see what the big deal is. He's not good enough to play for the US but he still wants to play in the Olympics and Germany wanted him.

[P2K]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

Don't see a problem with it. It's done all the time in soccer.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't see what the big deal is. He's not good enough to play for the US but he still wants to play in the Olympics and Germany wanted him.

I thought the Olympics was national competition.

[Scott]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

He has dual-citizenship with both the US & Germany, I don't see any problem with this.

[jmood88]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I thought the Olympics was national competition.

Ok? It's not a big deal.

[SidVish]

Re: Chris Kaman Cleared to Play for Germany

I don't see what the big deal is. He's not good enough to play for the US but he still wants to play in the Olympics and Germany wanted him.

These are my thoughts as well. I couldn't care less where he wants to play. If he wants to play for Germany where he's also a citizen then so be it.