FIBA World Cup 2023: Massive loss for Canada as Jamal Murray set to miss premier event

Another NBA star is set to miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup later this month after Jamal Murray was ruled out due to an unspecified injury. Team Canada announced on Tuesday that Murray was not cleared by the medical team and will miss the tournament.

In a statement through Canada Basketball, Murray expressed his disappointment on missing the FIBA World Cup. He's looking forward to rejoining the national team next year, hopefully in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"When I entered the training camp, I wanted to assess how my body would respond after a long and demanding season and whether I would be physically capable of competing at the highest required level for the World Cup," Murray said. "Following consultations with medical staff and the team, it has become evident that I need additional time for recovery."

He added:

"Therefore, I have had to make the difficult decision of not taking part in the tournament. Representing Canada at the Olympics remains a dream of mine, and I will support the team throughout their journey as they pursue this objective."

Jamal Murray is coming off his first full season since a torn ACL that kept him out for more than a year. Murray also played the entire regular season and playoffs, helping the Denver Nuggets win their first NBA championship.

As for Team Canada, they still have a formidable roster heading into the FIBA World Cup. They're in Group H with Latvia, Lebanon and France and will play the group stage in Indonesia. A great showing in the tournament could see them outright qualify for next year's Olympics.

Without Murray, the Canadians will have to rely on players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk and Dillon Brooks.

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Jamal Murray not the only missing star at 2023 FIBA World Cup

Jamal Murray joined a long list of international NBA players missing the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Kristaps Porzingis was ruled out for Latvia on Monday, while Murray's omission was announced on Tuesday.

Here's a list of international NBA players not at the World Cup:

• Jose Alvarado (Puerto Rico)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
• Rui Hachimura (Japan)
• Al Horford (Dominican Republic)
• Nikola Jokic (Serbia)
• Maxi Kleber (Germany)
• Jamal Murray (Canada)
• Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia)
• Ricky Rubio (Spain)
• Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania)
• Ben Simmons (Australia)
• Juan Toscano-Anderson (Mexico)
• Victor Wembanyama (France)