Yakuba “Billy” Ouattara, signed to a two-way G-League contract by the Nets, was cut Sunday night by the French national team, permitting him to join the NBA team sooner than if he had played for France in Eurobasket.
French national team Vincent Collet announced his decision on BFM Sport following France’s victory over Italy in a friendly game. Ouattara, a 6’4” shooting guard, wouldn’t have been able to join teammates in Brooklyn until late September if he hadn’t been cut. Eurobasket runs from August 32 through September 17. France is expected to be one of the main contenders in the continental championships.