Injured Lowry forced to pass on World Cup
Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry withdrew from Team USA on Monday due to his surgically repaired left thumb.
Lowry underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon 31/2 weeks ago, but was hopeful he could be part of the team USA Basketball sends to the FIBA World Cup in China. However, he met with his surgeon on Monday and realized he wouldn’t be recovered in time.
“I love playing for USAB but I have to sit this one out and support the team from home,” Lowry wrote on his Instagram account.
Lowry will now focus on getting healthy by the start of the NBA season. The Raptors begin defence of their NBA title at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 22.
Lowry, 33, averaged 14.2 points and 8.7 assists for the Raptors last season.
Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III took himself out of consideration earlier Monday.
Still in camp are:
Guards: De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento); Joe Harris (Brooklyn); Donovan Mitchell (Utah); Marcus Smart (Boston); Kemba Walker (Boston); Derrick White (San Antonio). Forwards: Harrison Barnes (Sacramento); Jaylen Brown (Boston); Kyle Kuzma (Los Angeles Lakers); Khris Middleton (Milwaukee); Jayson Tatum (Boston); P.J. Tucker (Houston).
Centres: Brook Lopez (Milwaukee); Mason Plumlee (Denver); Myles Turner (Indiana).
The World Cup is scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 15 in Shanghai. Reuters