Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s not physically ready to play in the World Cup

Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t play for Greece on the Basketball World Cup that begins later this month, with the Milwaukee Bucks star saying on Friday he and his medical advisers determined that he’s merely not able to compete.

Antetokounmpo had surgical procedure on his left knee earlier this summer time.

Greece will play the US, Jordan and New Zealand in group-stage video games at Manila within the event, which begins on August 25 within the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.

“Everyone knows my passion and love for my national team has and never will change,” Antetokounmpo wrote in a press release on Friday.

“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. But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that I am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup.”

Antetokounmpo missed 19 regular-season video games for Bucks this previous season, 11 of these due to left knee soreness. Bucks have stated they imagine the clean-up surgical procedure on his knee went properly and that they count on him to be prepared for coaching camp, which begins in about seven weeks.

His absence will additional harm the star energy of this World Cup. Only two members of this previous season’s All-NBA crew — Slovenia’s Luka Doncic of Dallas and Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City — are slated to play within the event.

Antetokounmpo is a seven-time All-Star, two-time NBA MVP and led Bucks to the 2021 NBA title. He averaged 31.1 factors and 11.8 rebounds this previous season.

He stated he needs to play with Greece on the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“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.” Antetokounmpo stated.

“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.”