The FIBA World Cup kicks off on Friday, August 25, and players and teams from across the world are getting in shape ready for the competition that will take place in the Phillippines, Japan, and Indonesia. Plenty of NBA talent will be on display, but one of the game’s biggest stars may miss out. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful for the competition following a leg injury.
The news was initially reported by SDNA and through this piece on BasketNews.com. According to the article, the Bucks will only let Giannis play if he is 100 percent healthy, so it is likely he may miss the tournament.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo might miss the FIBA World Cup
The two-time NBA MVP has always made himself available to play for his nation alongside his brothers, and with just under two months to go, there is still time for him to make the team. As previously mentioned, the Bucks will likely have the overriding decision as to whether he plays or not, but regardless of being on the court or not, we will still see him supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
Looking back to the NBA season, Giannis’ back injury in Game 1 against the Miami Heat will, of course, be fresh in the mind of the Bucks’ front office, and so will look to preserve their star, especially with him being up for an extension towards the end of this year.
Giannis still remains in high spirits, as seen in his latest tweet, which is interesting, to say the least.
Greek Freak-A-Leak 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/VQmmWfPRWV
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 29, 2023
Greece is in Group C alongside the USA, Jordan, and New Zealand, and with the Greek Freak, they would definitely consider themselves having a shot to win it all. Without him, they are still likely to make it out of the group stage but will be overpowered come the knockout stages.
Fellow Bucks forward Bobby Portis has been confirmed to be on the USA roster and will hope to face off with Giannis and Thanasis whilst free agent wing Joe Ingles will once again suit up for Australia, who are always looking to go far in the World Cup.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks news as the offseason begins to ramp up.