2023 FIBA World Cup: Giannis Antetokounmpo to be included in Greece's preliminary roster

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will be included in Greece's preliminary roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, Antetokounmpo's participation remains in question after he underwent a minor knee procedure last month.

According to Aris Barkas of EuroHoops, the Greece national team is expected to announce their preliminary roster for next month's tournament. "The Greek Freak" will be part of the roster, but it doesn't mean that he will be playing.

Antetokounmpo had a cleanup procedure on his knee about a month, and his status for the national team is uncertain, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic. He has played for Greece in almost every major competition, including last year's EuroBasket and the 2014 and 2019 FIBA World Cups.

Despite his surgery, Antetokounmpo is determined to make the 2023 FIBA World Cup. EuroHoops cited sources saying that Antetokounmpo is already doing rehab, but the FIBA-NBA agreement says that he needs to get cleared before playing in the tournament.

On a recent trip to China, Antetokounmpo shared a video on social media showing himself doing some keep-ups with a soccer ball. That's a good indication for everyone who is hoping to see "The Greek Freak" at the FIBA World Cup.

The two-time MVP also suffered a back injury in their first-round series against the Miami Heat, which Milwaukee they lost in five games. The Bucks were one of the favorites to win the championship last season, having the best record in the league.

However, they fell way short of expectations, and coach Mike Budenholzer was subsequently fired this summer. The Bucks then hired former NBA player Adrian Griffin as their next head coach.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo in, Nick Calathes out

Giannis Antetokounmpo (lefT) and Nick Calathes of Greece

While Giannis Antetokounmpo will be on Greece's preliminary roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, veteran guard Nick Calathes won't. Calathes has removed his name from contention for next month's tournament, as he wants to get some rest, as per EuroHoops.

Calathes has been a key part of the national team over the last decade. His absence at the World Cup will be felt, but it would be an even bigger blow if Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't play.

"The Greek Freak" is considered by some as the best player in the world currently. He's coming off an MVP-caliber season in the NBA and could also look to bounce back for the national team after a poor showing in last year's EuroBasket.

Greece is in Group C of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They play the United States, Jordan and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.