11 August 2023 , 13:21
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NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Antetokounmpo had hoped to feature on the Greece roster which takes place in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines later this month. The Milwaukee Bucks star has been recovering from knee surgery.
The 28-year-old sustained a back injury during Game 1 in the first round of the Eastern Conference play-offs against the Miami Heat on April 17. A couple of months later, in July, Antetokounmpo underwent surgery to correct an issue in his left knee.
Ever since there have been doubts over whether the Bucks star will be able to recover in time to feature for his country at the World Cup. Greece will play the United States, Jordan and New Zealand in the group stage of the tournament.
In a lengthy statement posted on Twitter, Antetokounmpo confirmed that he would not be taking part in the World Cup with Greece. The Bucks forward expressed his disappointment over missing out on the tournament but explained his goal to compete for his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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“Everyone knows my passion and love for my National Team has and never will change,” wrote Antetokounmpo on Twitter.
“Since the conclusion of my NBA season I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set.
“But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that I am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play in the FIBA World Cup with Greece this month (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)“This was not a choice but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career.
“I am extremely disappointed in this outcome but this was a decision made with the medical staff. I’m going to continue to push myself to be ready for the next time my name is called.
“My personal, and our ultimate team goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics games and it will be an honor to represent my National Team next year.”
Antetokounmpo will now be looking towards regaining his fitness in time for the 2023/24 NBA season. The Bucks will begin preseason training camp at the end of September before the start of the new campaign begins towards the end of October.