5 NBA Stars: The FIBA World Cup 2023 will be held this summer in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines from August 25 to September 10. As a result, many fans are eagerly awaiting word on which players they will be able to watch in action when the season begins.
With the Team USA FIBA World Cup 2023 roster decided, the spotlight has shifted to players who were shockingly and noticeably left off the list. Given how many players rush at the chance to represent their nation, the absence of some of the NBA’s greatest stars is notable.
Without further ado, here are five NBA players that will not be representing their countries in the FIBA World Cup 2023.
5 NBA stars that will not compete in the FIBA World Cup
#1: Nikola Jokic
With Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets winning the NBA title in 2023, the Finals MVP would have had a rapid turnaround if he had participated in the World Cup. While his participation would be significant for Serbia, Jokic has emphasised that if he were to participate, he would give his all to the squad.
#2: Joel Embiid
Another person that may have had a big influence in the FIBA World Cup is 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid. Despite this, after being ruled out of Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs due to an LCL sprain, Embiid appears to have opted to skip the World Cup. With dual citizenship for Team USA and France, Embiid will now consider where he will play in the 2024 Olympics.
#3: Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama has a busy schedule as the No. 1 draught selection this year. Wembanyama is prepared to participate in the NBA summer league in addition to having just ended his season with the Metropolitans 92. Wembanyama has opted out of the FIBA World Cup 2023 due to his busy schedule. Fortunately for Team France, Rudy Gobert will compete, despite reports that he might miss this year’s competition.
#4: Jayson Tatum
While it is not unusual for Team USA’s brightest talents to miss the FIBA World Cup, Jayson Tatum was a key member of the 2019 squad. Given that, many expected him to return for the FIBA World Cup 2023, despite the fact that he is only 25 years old. Tatum appears to be focused on preparing for the upcoming NBA season after falling short in the Eastern Conference finals to the Miami Heat.
#5: Giannis Antetokounmpo
We’ll start with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who appears to be out of the FIBA World Cup 2023 due to a leg injury. While he hasn’t been officially ruled out, Antetokounmpo appears to be working hard to get back to 100%.
Shams Charania stated this week that Antetokoumpo is questionable to play following a ‘cleanup operation’ on his knee two weeks ago. Given his importance to the Bucks organisation, it’s reasonable to presume he won’t be allowed to join Greece if he isn’t 100%.
Since then, it appears like the Finals MVP is still on the fence. According to reports, he has a family obligation, and as a result, his absence from the World Cup would be devastating.
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