Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece announced that he will miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup to continue to rehab from left knee surgery. Antetokounmpo had been included on Greece’s initial roster, but it was recently determined that he’s not ready to return to play yet.
Antetokounmpo underwent cleanup surgery on his left knee earlier this summer. After a follow-up meeting with his doctors in the United States, it was determined Antetokounmpo would not play in this summer’s competition.
“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 said on his Twitter account. “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. I am extremely disappointed in this outcome but this was a decision made with the medical staff.”
Greece in Group C with the United States, Jordan and New Zealand. Team USA plays Greece in their second game of the group stage on August 28.