16/08/2023 22:27hs.
There are only nine days left until the World Cup begins in Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia, which will be played between August 25 and September 10, without Argentina, which did not qualify. And there is a group of top-level players, counting NBA stars, who for various reasons resigned or dropped out. After the recent statement from the Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, the list of stars who will not participate in the great contest is getting longer….
Kristaps Porzingis, the most recent casualty
The Latvian, power forward and star of the Boston Celtics of the NBA, communicated through his social networks that he will not be able to play the World Cup with his team due to plantar fasciitis. “It’s very difficult. I feel very responsible with myself and with the fans of the Latvian team, but I have made the decision not to play in the World Cup,” he announced.
Porzingis made the announcement via X, the social network formerly known as Twitter. She said that she had made the decision after an MRI, and after consultation with the Celtics and medical staff and coaches from Latvia. A plantar fasciitis that after “weeks of recovery” continues to prevent the 28-year-old basketball player from being on the court “in top form”.
“This was a joint decision, taken by both the medical staff and the technical staff of the national teamas by the Celtics team, with the advice and opinion that now it is necessary to continue the recovery process,” he said. A difficult and very sad decision for Porzingis, who vowed to support his team “to the best that I can”.
Porzingis out with plantar fasciitis.
Nikola Jokic, the great absence
Nikola Jokic, the last MVP of the NBA Finals with the Denver Nuggets will not say present with the Serbian team. Svetislav Pesic, coach, declared that “he is not physically and mentally ready to take responsibility in the way that is expected of him” and also lamented. “I admit that I am disappointed because some important players will not play, but our objectives are not going to change, we want to go to the Olympic Games at any cost”.
Jokic will be the most important absent figure.
Now the new captain of the Serbian team is Bogdan Bogdanovic, shooting guard for the Atlanta Hawks. But he will not be the only player in the NBA, but will be accompanied by Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat), Filip Petrusev (Philadelphia 76ERS) and Aleksej Pokusevski (Oklahoma City Thunder). In any case, Jokic’s loss is very bad news. However, the coach of the national team asked for support for the players called up, since “They have courage, knowledge and talent.”
Wembanyama, another who does not play the World Cup
Another team that received bad news was France, which will not have Victor Wembanyama, chosen in the first position of the NBA draft by San Antonio Spurs. The French assured that will stay in the United States preparing for his rookie season. He was already absent from the U19 World Cup in Hungary and a few weeks ago he confirmed his absence from the World Cup that will begin in August. France will be in Group H along with Canada, Latvia and Lebanon in the world tournament.
Wembanyama remains focused on the NBA.
“It wouldn’t be realistic in terms of development and it wouldn’t be prudent in terms of health. I hope people understand. It’s frustrating for me too. The France team is still essential for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice,” said the player.
Jamal Murray will not be with Canada
Jamal Murray it will be low and will not be present with Canada. The Denver point guard will not be part of the World Cup event, he had torn the cruciate ligaments in his left knee in 2021 and only in the last few months, he was able to find a regularity again in which he became a key piece to win his first ring, but for this opportunity, he chose not to risk his physique. Through a statement, he explained the reasons why he will not be seen in the World Cup and said: “After consulting with the medical staff and the team, it is evident that additional recovery is neededso I have made the difficult decision not to participate in the tournament.”
Murray is still recovering from a torn ACL.
Antetokounmpo out due to injury
the greek Giannis Antetokounmpo announced on his Instagram account that he will not be present at the World Cup for a left knee injury that he has had a bad time for some time due to the high demand that competition in the NBA demands of him. In the statement, the Milwaukee Bucks star explained: “Everyone knows that my passion and love for my team has not changed and will never change. Since the end of my NBA season, I’ve been pushing my body to the limit to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we have set for ourselves”.
Antetokounmpo is still injured.
Ricky Rubio, a separate case
Point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, Ricky Rubiodecided to stop his professional activity to take care of your mental health, the 32-year-old Catalan player returned to the national team after two seasons of fighting a knee injury. “The Spanish Basketball Federation wants to transmit the following statement from Ricky Rubio: ‘I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank all the support that I have received from the FEB to understand my decision'”, says the text. In this way, Spain loses who was the MVP of the past World Cup in China 2019in which La Roja won their second world title, after the first won in Japan in 2006.
Rubio decided to prioritize his well-being.
Rui Hachimura preferred the NBA
The Japanese Hachimurathe biggest current star of this sport in the country, gave up participating in the World Cup to focus on nba, announced the Japanese federation. It happened hours after the loss of the French Wembanyama. The decision comes afterintense discussions” with the Los Angeles Lakers player and his representation agency, Wasserman, and after “exhaustively considering his contract in the NBA,” the Japan Basketball Association (JBA) explained in a statement, which has decided to respect “the wishes ” of the player and not summon him for the World Cup.
The 28th follows in Wembanyama’s footsteps.
2023-08-16 22:27:30
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