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Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful to play for Greece in World Cup

The Milwaukee Bucks will not allow the Greek Freak to play in the World Cup if he is not fully healthy.
Matthew Dugandzic|
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Milwaukee Bucks

In what could be a major blow for Greece, Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly doubtful for the 2023 World Cup that will be held in the Philippines this August and September.

A report by BasketNews said that the Milwaukee Bucks star is dealing with a leg injury that might keep him from the World Cup.

The Greek Freak is very interested in playing for Greece, but the Bucks may not permit his participation if he is not 100 percent healthy, the report said.

No Giannis, big problem for Greece

The report added that currently, Antetokounmpo’s chances of playing for the Greek national team are less than 50 percent.

For the upcoming World Cup, Greece is grouped with the USA, Jordan, and New Zealand. Greece is a consistent title contender in the World Cup, but the specter of not having the two-time NBA MVP will greatly affect their pre-tournament billing.

Greece is a consistent title contender in the World Cup, but the specter of not having the two-time NBA MVP will greatly affect their pre-tournament billing. Antetokounmpo has dealt with various injuries in the recently ended 2022-23 NBA season.

Injury-plagued season

The bull-strong forward missed 19 games the past season due to knee issues, and even in the playoffs, injuries continued to hound the seven-time All-Star.

Antetokounmpo injured his back in the first quarter of Game 1 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series with the Miami Heat.

Giannis failed to finish Game 1 and went on to miss Games 2 and 3. He was able to return in Game 4, but the Heat had already gathered enough momentum and went to win the series in a shocking end to what was a promising season by the Bucks.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.