The Basketball World Cup in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines is slowly running out of stars. Numerous NBA players are doing without the tournament.
After Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jamal Murray and Kristaps Porzingis have now also announced that they will not play the tournament. Porzingis (Latvia/Boston Celtics) explained his withdrawal with plantar fasciitis in his foot. The decision was made by the Latvian medical and coaching team together with the Celtics.
“Difficult Decision”
Murray (Canada), who had led the Denver Nuggets to the NBA title together with Jokic, followed a little later. “After consulting with the medical staff and the team, it is clear that I need further recovery. I have made the difficult decision not to participate in the tournament,” Murray said on the Canadian federation’s website. But he still dreams of participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.
Wembanyama (France/San Antonio Spurs), top pick in this year’s NBA draft, NBA champion and Finals MVP Nikola Jokic (Serbia/Denver Nuggets) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece/Milwaukee Bucks) had previously announced that they would not will play at the tournament in Asia (25 August to 10 September).
