Jokic, Kleber and Co. These stars are missing at the Basketball World Cup
Beginning August 25, the basketball world’s eyes will be on Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The World Cup is taking place there. However, some big names are also missing. We show which NBA stars and top players are not there.
Maximilian Kleber (Germany): The 31-year-old from the Dallas Mavericks canceled his participation after public criticism from national team captain Dennis Schröder. In a podcast, he criticized Kleber for the EM cancellation last year. It was not his goal to “destroy the good chemistry in the team from last summer,” Kleber then said. “That’s why I decided that it’s best for everyone involved if I don’t play.” Schröder’s statements “made it 100 percent clear that I’m not fully welcome in the national team.”
In the “Got Nexxt” podcast, Schröder criticized that Kleber was absent from the home European Championship last year because he allegedly wanted to work on his “game”. The forward did not get involved as requested by the DBB and should not take anyone’s place.
Victor Wembanyama (France): The 19-year-old super talent, who was selected first by the San Antonio Spurs in this year’s NBA draft, canceled for the tournament at the end of June. But Wembanyama really wants to be there at the “home” Olympics in Paris.
Nikola Jokic (Serbian): Serbia’s superstar was already missing from the extended squad list when he was nominated. The NBA champion from the Denver Nuggets is “neither physically nor mentally ready,” said Serbian coach Svetislav Pesic. Jokic is one of the best players in the world. The center received the Finals Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his outstanding performances in the NBA.
Jamal Murray (Canada): Together with Nikola Jokic he led the Denver Nuggets to the title. At the World Cup, however, the Canadian has to pass: after consultation with the medical staff, the decision was made that he needed further recovery.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece): The NBA superstar has canceled his participation in the basketball world championship due to lack of fitness. The two-time Milwaukee Bucks MVP underwent surgery on his left knee just a few weeks ago. “After months of work and several meetings with medical professionals, it is clear that I am not ready to compete at the level I need to be to participate in the World Cup,” he wrote on social media. He had no other choice.
Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia):The NBA professional from the Boston Celtics will not get fit in time. He suffers from plantar fasciitis in his foot – a type of heel spur. Porzingis wrote on social media that a recent MRI result led to the decision. This was made by the Latvian team of doctors and coaches together with the Celtics.
Rui Hachimura (Japan): As announced by the Japanese Basketball Association, your star forward wants to focus on the upcoming NBA season. The decision, Hachimura is quoted as saying in a press release, was not easy for him, especially since his nation is co-host of the tournament.
Last updated: 08/18/2023
2023-08-18 12:35:00
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