The gruesome injury of Paul George in a FIBA World Cup exhibition game in Las Vegas nearly three weeks ago has caused the NBA to gain scrutiny towards the risk that is involved with NBA players participating in the event.

The Dallas Mavericks owner and general manager Mark Cuban has been the most vocal among owners and fans that disapproves the FIBA World Cup involving NBA players.  He mentions how there are no incentives for teams to feel okay with NBA's biggest stars risking their careers.

Like Us on Facebook

NBA players do indeed risk an injury when participating in international competitions, but people seem to forget players risk injuries on a daily basis - whether they're participating in NBA's Summer League, playing a pick up game at a local gym or simply running scrimmages and training with their team's personnel.

With the help of professional training and medical care though, compound fractures similar to Paul George's injury are extremely rare in the sport of basketball. Prior to the Paul George incident, there have been no major injuries in the past 10 years under current USA coach Krzyzewski

FIBA World Cup, Basketball Olympics and other international competitions give NBA players the opportunity to represent their country and pride themselves with being apart of some of the best basketball players in the world. To take that opportunity away from them would be wrong.

The notion that international basketball events should implement college players again instead of NBA players is just unacceptable for USA standards. If this were the case, USA wouldn't stand a chance, as countries around the world will continue to use professionals - as so should the United States.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver bas agreed players are risking injuries with little to no financial incentives, but comes to the conclusion that it's ultimately up to the players to make the personal decision on whether to participate in international competitions or not. 

TagsCommissioner Adam Silver, FIBA World Cup, Paul George Injury, Mark Cuban, USA Basketball