Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo loves to play basketball. He also has a deep fondness for his home country, Greece, and considers it an honor to represent it in international competition. As one of the best players in the world, international competitions like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics are great opportunities for fans to watch him play live that otherwise would not be able to.
Unfortunately, Giannis’ availability for the 2023 FIBA World Cup has been in question for most of the offseason. He had a knee procedure after the Bucks were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs by the Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat. Earlier this week, his made his decision on whether or not he would play in the FIBA World Cup official.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Not Play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Giannis posted his decision on his social media accounts. In it, he reaffirms his desire to play for the Greek National Team, but states that he needs to focus on getting his body right for the 2023-24 NBA regular season first:
“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.
“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. 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. 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.”
Giannis is easily the best player on the Greek National Team, so this quite the blow.
The good news, at least for Bucks fans, is that head coach Adrian Griffin said back in July that the team believes and expects Giannis to be ready for the beginning of training camp. The Bucks do not play any international preseason games this year, so they will begin camp on October 3.
Preseason games on October 5 and the 2023-24 NBA regular season begins on October 24.
Related: Milwaukee Bucks Star Bobby Portis Makes Team USA Roster for 2023 FIBA World Cup
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