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"Everyone knows my passion and love for my
National Team has and never will change. 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," Antetokounmpo wrote on Twitter Friday.
"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, 28, missed 11 games last season with knee
soreness and had a "cleanup procedure" on his knee in June.
He expressed disappointment Friday at not being able to
represent his country in the competition but said the move was
necessary for optimal recovery.
"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," he continued. "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. My personal, and our ultimate team goal
is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics games and it will be an
honor to represent my National Team next year.
The World Cup runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10 in the Philippines,
Japan and Indonesia. Greece is in Group C with the United
States, Jordan and New Zealand.
The Bucks said in July they expect Antetokounmpo to be ready for
NBA training camp in September.
"Yes, he had a routine surgery on his left knee and it went
great," Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin told reporters July 5.
"Everything went as planned and we expect him back ready to go
in training camp."
The two-time NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star averaged 31.1
points and 11.8 rebounds in 63 games during the 2022-23 regular
season.
Antetokounmpo represented the Greek national team at the FIBA
World Cup in 2014 and 2019.
--Field Level Media
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