Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo to miss FIBA World Cup
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo announced early Friday morning he will not play in in the upcoming FIBA World Cup for the Greek National Team.
"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," said Antetokounmpo in a message on his social media accounts.
Antetokounmpo had a knee procedure this offseason that new Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin called "routine" earlier this summer.
"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," Antetokounmpo continued. "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."
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.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 11, 2023
But after months of work and multiple… pic.twitter.com/1uhTlfNZVE
Antetokounmpo has played for the Greek National Team on six occasions since 2014 averaging 19.3 points per game and 7.1 rebounds over 29 games. He helped Greece to an 11th place finish in the 2019 World Cup.
Giannis' brothers Thanasis and Kostas were listed on the Greek National Team's preliminary roster ahead of the World Cup.
Greece is set to play in Group C with Jordan, New Zealand and a United States team that features fellow Bucks player Bobby Portis.