USA Basketball asked IOC to change roster rules for Olympics

As reported by ESPN, Also in the name of flexibility, Colangelo said USA Basketball has petitioned the U.S. Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and FIBA, which runs the Olympic basketball tournament, to change the rules for when rosters for the Games must be submitted. Usually, the rosters must be set several weeks in advance, but with the NBA playoffs running until three days before Team USA is scheduled for its first Olympic game, Colangelo is calling for changes.

Team USA has asked to allow roster changes even during the Olympics as players may fly over late and join teams, Colangelo said. He is waiting to hear back from the governing bodies on the matter.

“These are not normal times. Rosters by a certain date doesn’t make any sense,” Colangelo said. “What we’re seeking is flexibility to substitute players very late and to get the best players on the court. It doesn’t just apply to us but for all the countries.”