Giannis Antetokounmpo has made an announcement that he won’t be playing in the upcoming FIBA World Cup for Greece, citing fitness issues that arose after an off-season knee injury. On August 11, the Milwaukee Bucks forward revealed that he had multiple meetings with the medical staff, to learn that he isn’t ready to compete at the highest level in the sport currently.
Greece had already considered the participation of Giannis Antetokounmpo as doubtful, after he had missed the training camp and exhibition games of the national team, according to a report from ESPN. But, they were hoping for the 28-year-old to get the necessary clearances to represent his country in the FIBA World Cup, after his follow-up meetings with doctors in the USA this week.
In a detailed statement posted on his official Twitter account, Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about how he pushed himself to the limit to help his team achieve their goals. He wrote, “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.”
Then, the former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks went on to share information regarding his work behind the scenes to get his fitness right for a potential appearance in the FIBA World Cup for Greece. “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,” remarked the 28-year-old.
The statement concluded with Giannis Antetokounmpo sharing his disappointment at not making the FIBA World Cup, but at the same time, he has set his sights to represent Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He remarked, “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 honour to represent my National Team next year.”
