The 2023 FIBA World Cup has begun proceedings with the warm-up games this month. As the most dominant Team USA handed a crushing defeat to Team Greece, the absence of the Giannis Antetokounmpo caught everyone’s attention.

Giannis has been Team Greece’s lone warrior in several international tournaments for years now. The Greek Freak has been their saviour on the international stage, often leading the team to greater heights in these tournaments. However, the 2-time NBA MVP will not feature on Team Greece’s roster in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. But why?

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s FIBA Absence

Giannis’ heroics on the international stage have mesmerized the fans for years. Year after year, Antetokounmpo suits up for the national side and puts up historic numbers, shocking the world. Be it his unbelievable run in the EuroBasket last year or his unforgettable 2019 FIBA World Cup performance, the Greece contingent has always showed up for his country. However, the national team will miss the services of the 1x NBA champion this World Cup.

Antetokounmpo opted out of participating in the FIBA World Cup on health grounds. After a grueling NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks forward underwent a procedure this summer to “clean up loose cartilage“. The 7-time NBA All-Star issued a statement on Twitter to confirm his decision to sit out of the FIBA World Cup.

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The NBA star revealed that he may not be physically ready to take part in the esteemed tournament. His national team has already started to feel his absence, going 2-3 in the preparation games so far. However, Antetokounmpo has his sights set on a greater mission – the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Greek Freak aims to take the Olympics by storm

Giannis Antetokounmpo made a tough call to sit out of the FIBA World Cup. However, one cannot assume that The Greek Freak has turned his back on his nation. He has his sights set on leading Team Greece to an Olympic qualification next year.

The Paris Olympics are all set to kick off in 2024. With most of the nations competing in the FIBA World Cup participating in the Olympics too, Antetokounmpo will have the opportunity to prove his worth at the Olympics. He also mentioned in his statement that he would like to help his nation achieve this honorable feat. “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,” said the 28-year-old.

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Antetokounmpo had an arduous NBA season which saw the former Finals MVP finish third in the MVP race. Following this, he had to made the tough call to sit out of the FIBA World Cup. He now gets to take some much needed rest and rehab from his recurring knee injury to serve his nation to the best of his abilities in the upcoming Paris Olympics.