Olynyk’s knee only bruised, says he’ll play in World Cup

Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk was diagnosed with a bruised right knee after slipping on a wet floor during Canada’s exhibition game against Nigeria in Toronto on Wednesday.

The injury was initially feared to be more serious, but X-rays were negative, Sportsnet reported on Thursday.

Olynyk was helped to his feet by one of his opponents, but fell back to the floor as he attempted to walk off the injury.

The 28-year-old 7-footer is expected to be sidelined at least a week, but said he still plans to compete in the FIBA World Cup starting Aug. 31.

Olynyk is entering the third season of his four-year, US$50 million deal with the Heat. He averaged 10.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 79 games (36 starts) last season.

Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony wants to play for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup but his request was denied, Si.com has reported.

Jerry Colangelo, the managing director of USA Basketball, told the outlet he informed Anthony’s camp the team didn’t have a place for him, despite his long record with the program and the number of departures of NBA players from the team.

Anthony has played on a record four U.S. Olympic teams, winning three gold medals (2008, 2012 and 2016) and a bronze (2004). He’s the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men’s Olympic history.

Colangelo said Anthony made his request through a representative.

Anthony, 35, has been out of the NBA since he was waived on Feb. 1. He played 10 games early in the 2018-19 season for Houston.

“I love Carmelo,” Colangelo said. “He made a great contribution. He was a very good international player. But for where we are and what we’re doing, that conceivably could have been a distraction.”