Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum has said that he will represent France at the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers provided that his team release him for international duty.

Batum recently spoke about his situation with the national side but is not convinced he will be allowed.

“I have the impression that FIBA is the only organization where we do not have the right to speak,” Batum said to French outlet L’Equipe.

“When someone tries to talk, he gets bothered by the authorities.

“Players will do everything for their team to qualify and, in the end, they will not participate at World Cup.

“This will create internal conflicts in big federations. If France qualifies with some players and finally decides not to call NBA players for the World Cup, I would find that normal. The NBA has been around for years, it’s always been like that.”