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Kristaps Porzingis is one of the best players that got traded in the offseason. As a part of a three-team deal, the Latvian center joined the Boston Celtics and hopes to have a chance to win the NBA championship, but before that, we all wonder will Kristaps Porzingis play at FIBA World Cup 2023.
Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA – Photo by Icon sport
How important is Kristaps Porzingis for Latvia?
Porzingis is one of only two Latvian players in the NBA and the nation is all hyped up for the FIBA World Cup but unfortunately, they will have to play without their best player. Porzingis is still suffering from a foot injury and will not be able to fully recover before the international tournament. That was expected as the center did not suit up for any of the friendly games for the team.
Kristaps Porzingis out for Latvia in FIBA World Cup. https://t.co/bCGqlKFjzf pic.twitter.com/CKBvWpBuSb
— theScore (@theScore) August 15, 2023
Kristaps Porzingis FIBA World Cup disappointment
Basketball is by far the most popular sport in Latvia and Porzingis is the pride of the nation. Being in his prime, he was eager to lead his team in their first ever FIBA World Cup appearance, but as he says, he is just not ready.
“After several weeks of recovery and a repeat MRI examination, the plantar fasciitis of my foot still prevents me from being on the field in full readiness,” Porzingis said. “This joint decision has been made by both the medical staff and coaching staff of the national team, as well as the Celtics team – with the advice and opinion that it is now necessary to continue the recovery process.”
Latvia will play in Group H at the FIBA World Cup with France, Lebanon and Canada and without Porzingis, they have slim chances to finish among the top two teams in the group and advance to the knockout stage.
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