Giannis Antetokounmpo – Getty

*Giannis Antetokounmpo announced he won’t participate in the 2023 FIBA World Cup after undergoing tests on his left knee following a routine surgery in July. 

“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,” the Milwaukee Bucks star shared in a post on Instagram.

“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,” Antetokounmpo 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.”

Antetokounmpo has posted numerous Instagram images of himself recuperating with his kid Maverick.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Instagram

“Rehab with a lot of Mav, Paw Patrol and shooting ????,” the caption reads.

“In order for you to perform, you have to be able to build your body here. Because if you’re not strong here, you’re not able to be on the court. This is even more important than being on the court,” he said. “If you see the greatest players of all time, what everybody had in common, they were strong, they were healthy, and they took the weight room serious.”

He believes that training should be treated as seriously as basketball.

“It’s a little battle with yourself. I won that battle,” he said. “And I’m going to come tomorrow again and win another battle.”

Read his full IG post below.