The Tall Blacks are stinging at confirmation that they will be without NBA centre Steven Adams for a second successive international season.
Adams confirmed to Basketball New Zealand that he won't be available for their Oceania Olympic qualifying series against Australia in August.
The 22-year-old says his commitment to being ready for the start of the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA campaign starting on October 27 had created scheduling conflicts over coming months.
He would be unable to join the Tall Blacks until late on their current overseas tour and believes it wouldn't be right to then be part of team to face the Boomers in their two-match Oceania series.
New Zealand coach Paul Henare says the news is a major blow to his team.
"We are of course disappointed not to have Steve as part of the campaign as we try and qualify for the Olympic Games," he said.
"He is a world-class player and would add plenty to our group, just as we believe the Tall Blacks environment will offer plenty to Steve."
Henare says he can understand Adams' decision given the competition the young centre faces at his own club for a starting centre berth.
Adams also missed last year's world championship campaign to concentrate on his NBA off-season commitments.
The Tall Blacks have opened their tour with two solid wins over Great Britain.
They have arrived in Croatia for internationals against the host nation and Slovenia before contesting a four-nation tournament in China.
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