Yannis Adetokounmpo has withdrawn from the World Cup 스포츠토토 to rehabilitate his knee.
On Wednesday (Aug. 12), the Milwaukee Bucks forward announced on social media that he will miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup for Greece. The World Cup will be co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from Aug. 25-Sept. 10. Greece is drawn in Group C with Jordan, New Zealand, and the United States.
Adetokunbo’s absence is due to his knee. Milwaukee announced in July that Adetokunbo underwent surgery on his left knee to clean up cartilage. He was expected to rejoin the squad once he recovered, but his knee never recovered enough to play. Greece will be short-handed without him.
“My passion and love for the national team has not changed and will not change,” Adetokunbo said. Since the end of the NBA season, I have pushed my body to the limit to become the player I need to be to achieve my goals. After months of rehabilitation and meetings with the medical staff, it became clear that I was not at the level I needed to be to participate in the World Cup,” he explained.
Greece did not qualify for Tokyo 2020. Adetokunbo, who has Olympic aspirations, has expressed his desire to play for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympics. There are seven spots up for grabs for the Paris Olympics based on the results of the World Cup. Hosts France are automatic qualifiers. The remaining four spots will be distributed through the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT).
Adetokunbo said: “I am very disappointed with this result, but it was a decision I made with the medical staff. I will continue to push myself for the next time my name is called. My personal goal, as well as the national team, is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics and it would be a great honor for me to play for the national team.”