Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss FIBA World Cup 2023 / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Antetokounmpo won't play in FIBA World Cup 2023.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Milwaukee Bucks and Greek national team superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo lost his race against time and will not participate in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023, the player announced on social media.

"Everyone knows my passion and love for my National Team has and never will change. 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 at the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup. 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 by 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."

Giannis is still recovering from an arthroscopy on his knee underwent on July 5. All this time, he had remained doubtful for the next major basketball event, starting on August 25.

The decision to skip the World Cup was accepted after consultations with the Greek federation, the national team's coaching and medical staff, and the Bucks' members.

Antetokounmpo, 28, dealt with a few nagging injuries last season, including missing several stretches with left knee soreness.

He averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over 63 NBA appearances in 2022-23.

Greek Freek played in FIBA EuroBasket last year and averaged 29.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in six contests, but Greece failed to overcome Germany in the quarterfinals. Giannis became the first Greek player since Nikos Galis (EuroBasket 1987) to score at least 25+ in every game he played in the tournament.

During the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Greece will play in Group C in Manila, Philippines, and face Team USA, Jordan, and New Zealand.

If Greece advances to the Second Round, it will meet teams from Group D, consisting of Montenegro, Egypt, Mexico, and Lithuania.

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