The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Asia is just over a month away but it now appears that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be hard-pressed to represent Greece in the tournament.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania via Bleacher Report, Giannis recently underwent a “cleanup procedure” on his knee. As a result, he is now considered “uncertain” to play in the FIBA World Cup next month.
Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like this injury will extend into the 2023-24 NBA season which begins in October.
The two-time NBA MVP is coming off one of his best statistical seasons. He averaged a career-high 31.1 points per game, earning his seventh straight All-Star selection in the process.
Giannis underwent a “cleanup procedure” on his knee and is uncertain to play for Greece’s FIBA World Cup team this summer, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/DBk5GvBr1K
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 5, 2023
Unfortunately, injuries were an issue for Giannis Antetokounmpo during the NBA playoffs. A lower back contusion he suffered limited him to just three of the Milwaukee Bucks’ five playoff games against the Miami Heat.
At 28 years of age, Giannis is just entering the peak of his physical abilities. It would be tragic to see these injuries continue to mount right when he should be playing his best basketball.
Will injuries continue to be an issue for Giannis next season?