But GB's performance director, Chris Spice, pointed out that "sacrifices" may need to be made to the sport's programmes if the insurance premium required to cover Deng for London 2012 remains at its current "exorbitant" level – reported to be in the region of £300,000 ($471,000/€375,000).

The 27-year-old Chicago Bulls player (pictured top and below) injured a ligament in his left hand in January but continued playing for his club instead of having an operation.

Although Chicago wanted him to have surgery at the end of the season, Deng insisted that his appearance for Britain in the Olympics was his priority.


"We didn't get involved in that discussion – we let it run its course," said Spice.

"But he was adamant he was playing at the Olympics and let the Bulls know that the moment they finished in the play-offs."

Spice (pictured below) said in a statement: "The insurance to cover Luol is always expensive due to his high value and the back exclusion placed on him by the NBA's insurers some years ago.

"Our medical expert opinion remains that his back is no worse than others in the NBA but we have had to continue to cover this as we are contracted to do.

"Unfortunately, we have had no support from the NBA regarding this issue which remains a constant disappointment."


Spice added: "His wrist situation will make this exorbitant premium even more expensive and we will have to make sacrifices to all our other programmes if we are to make this happen.

"It is difficult, but there is only one Luol Deng and there is only one London 2012 Olympic Games.

"In basketball terms we are a small and emerging nation with not a lot of resources but we have huge pride and great ambition.

"I am optimistic that we will find an affordable solution so that the best basketball player Great Britain has ever produced by some margin is able to take his rightful place alongside his team-mates in the London 2012 Olympic basketball tournament."

Spice stressed that "Luol Deng is hugely committed to the British Basketball programme and he has maintained this stance despite recent pressure for him not to play after injuring his wrist during the highly demanding shortened NBA season – we admire and support his stance."

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