With the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup around the corner, the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is yet to receive the green light. The MVP’s fate hangs in balance as the Greece head coach gave an ominous update about the 7x NBA All-Stars’ knee injury.  

And now, the senior NBA reporter at ESPN opened up about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status for the upcoming sports event. And by the looks of it, the Greece national team may have to play sans their star. 

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo a no-go for FIBA 2023?

In early July, the Milwaukee Bucks’ star underwent routine surgery on his left knee. In fact, Antetokounmpo missed some games during the Bucks’ 2022-23 season owing to his ailment. This offseason, the MVP spent a sizeable chunk of time in Greece, which made it look like he might just recuperate in time for the world cup. 

But no official announcements regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s world cup status have been announced so far. As of today, Brian Windhorst, a senior ESPN reporter, confessed to the looming uncertainty regarding Antetokounmpo’s lineup. Windhorst could confirm that the MVP is scheduled to travel back to the States for a follow-up.

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While the NBA world remains skeptical of Antetokounmpo’s health, more information should be available post the follow-up. 

There is still hope!

For now, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s FIBA status is doubtful. Prior to the cup, the Greece national team already contested in a few exhibition games by themselves. While the absence of Antetokounmpo will be daunting, the Greece national team might just have to get comfortable with it. For there is a high chance that Antetokounmpo may not play in the world cup at all. 

Antetokounmpo signed a blockbuster 5-year, $228 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, which is up for an extension on September 22nd. Considering the fact that Antetokounmpo will lead the Bucks in the upcoming regular season, his recovery will be a top priority for the franchise.

Hence, the decision to play is not Antetokounmpo’s. The Bucks, the Greece National team, and the doctors will jointly mull over the player’s fate this season. 

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While Windhorst admits that “we can’t completely strike off his [Giannis Antetokounmpo] name off the list”, the chances of Antetokounmpo playing are rather slim. The NBA insider also remarked that nothing is certain unless the final rosters are out on the 25th of August – the day world cup begins.