Lowry withdraws from USA World Cup team

Kyle Lowry of the NBA champion Toronto Raptors has withdrawn from the pool of candidates USA Basketball is considering to take to the FIBA World Cup later this month. Lowry said his surgically repaired thumb isn’t ready to allow him to participate in oncourt workouts. He had surgery last month to repair a torn tendon that dogged him during the NBA playoffs, and was hopeful of being on the floor as early as Tuesday when the Americans resume practice in El Segundo, Calif. But after meeting with his surgeon on Monday, Lowry apparently realized he wasn’t going to be able to play. Lowry has about six weeks now to get ready for Raptors camp. He said he expects the Americans to win the World Cup for an unprecedented third consecutive time.