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Giannis Antetokounmpo introduced Friday he will probably be unable to compete for Greece within the upcoming FIBA World Cup as he continues to recuperate from an offseason knee surgical procedure.

“After months of labor and a number of conferences with medical workers it’s clear that I’m not able to compete within the degree that I have to be to take part within the World Cup,” Antetokounmpo wrote on social media. “This was not a selection however my solely possibility in making certain I get again to the extent of basketball I’ve labored so exhausting to attain to this point in my profession. I’m extraordinarily disillusioned on this consequence however this was a call made with the medical workers.”

The Greek nationwide staff had already termed Antetokounmpo’s participation as uncertain after he missed the staff’s coaching camp and its first a number of exhibition video games. However there was hope that the two-time MVP may get clearance after a scheduled return to america this week for follow-up conferences with medical doctors.

The result impacts Crew USA, which was drawn into the identical pool as Greece on the World Cup and the nations that may play Aug. 28 in Manila, Philippines. Greece famously upset the Individuals on the 2006 World Cup in Japan. Crew USA and Greece are additionally scheduled to play a warmup sport subsequent week in Abu Dhabi.

The Milwaukee Bucks introduced final month that Antetokounmpo underwent a process on his left knee to scrub up free cartilage. The Bucks, who had been eradicated within the first spherical by the Miami Warmth in April, did not specify precisely when Antetokounmpo had the operation. However the celebrity made it identified he tried to discover a approach to be able to play within the World Cup.

“Everybody is aware of my ardour and love for my Nationwide Crew has and by no means will change,” Antetokounmpo wrote. “For the reason that conclusion of my NBA season I’ve been pushing my physique to the bounds to be the participant I have to be to assist our staff obtain the targets we set.”

The prize many groups within the World Cup are chasing are the precious Olympic berths for subsequent yr in Paris. A complete of seven will probably be awarded based mostly on World Cup efficiency with an eighth spot mechanically going to the host nation, France. The opposite 4 spots will probably be decided by qualifying tournaments subsequent summer time.

Greece did not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and Antetokounmpo has by no means competed on that vaunted stage.

“I’ll proceed to push myself to be prepared for the following time my title is named,” Antetokounmpo stated. “My private, and our final staff purpose is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics video games and will probably be an honor to signify my Nationwide Crew subsequent yr.”