Denver Nuggets star point guard Jamal Murray has withdrawn from Team Canada for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, citing a need for more recovery time following the run to the NBA title in June.
“When I came into training camp, I wanted to see how my body would respond after a long and demanding season and if I would be physically able to compete at the highest level required for the World Cup,” Murray said in a statement. “In consultation with medical staff and the team, it is clear that additional recovery is required, and I have made the difficult decision to not participate in the tournament.”
Boston Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis announced he will miss the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup because of a lingering plantar fasciitis issue he continues to deal with in his foot.
Porzingis, who was set to lead Latvia in the World Cup, which begins Aug. 25 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, posted on social media Tuesday that a recent MRI result led to the decision not to play. He noted that it was a joint decision, made with the Latvian medical and coaching staffs along with the Celtics.
