HOOPS stars from around the globe will be out to play in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup later this month in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
However, a handful of high-profile NBA stars have opted out of the global showpiece.
From injury woes to extended league preparations, here are some of NBA's finest (big men) whose towering presence will be missed by Filipino basketball fans anew when the World Cup tips off in less than three weeks' time.
Nikola Jokic (Serbia, Group B)
No less than the newly minted NBA champion and Finals MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to sit out the World Cup for Serbia.
Multiple reports have cited the two-time league MVP's intent to get some extended rest and recuperate from the Denver Nuggets' championship romp back in June.
The Joker's absence is a big blow for Filipino fans as Serbia was drawn with Puerto Rico, China, and South Sudan in Group B — one of four groups set to see action in the Philippines for the World Cup preliminaries.
But worry not as the Serbian contigent, who will play their group phase matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, will field a vast array of NBA talent led by Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks), Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat), and Aleksej Pokusevski (Oklahoma City Thunder).
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece, Group C)
Despite being included in Greece's preliminary 22-man roster, former NBA champion and MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is also at risk of being sidelined from the global showpiece.
During the Bucks' NBA Summer League tilt in July, newly appointed Milwaukee head coach Adrian Griffin revealed that Giannis underwent a left knee procedure during the offseason — casting doubts on his World Cup availability.
"He had a routine surgery on his left knee, and it went great. Everything went as planned, and we expect him back and ready to go in training camp," Griffin bared.
With the tournament fast approaching, no further updates have been issued by either the Bucks or the Greece camp on Giannis' playing status.
Slated in what could potentially be the Group of Death with USA, New Zealand, and Jordan, the Greeks will still carry some Antetokounmpo firepower with his brothers Thanasis and Kostas set to play for their homeland.
Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania, Group D)
Fresh off a memorable renaissance run with the Sacramento Kings, Domantas Sabonis has also been axed from European powerhouse Lithuania's World Cup roster.
The three-time NBA All-Star, who was set to man the attack for the world No. 8 side, underwent a reparative procedure on his fractured right thumb.
"The main reasons behind Domantas [Sabonis]' availability this summer was his contract and health. He tried to recover without the surgery, but it didn't work, and he lost time. After the surgery, everything takes longer," Lithuania head coach Kazys Maksvytis said.
In Sabonis' absence, 31-year-old NBA veteran Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans) will lead the 2010 World Cup bronze medalists' golden run against Egypt, Mexico, and Montenegro in Group D at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Joel Embiid (France, Group H)
Joining former MVPs Antetokounmpo and Jokic in the global meet's prospective no-show list is the reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid.
Despite acquiring his French citizenship in 2022 to make him eligible for international tilts, the Philadelphia 76ers big man will not feature for Les Bleus in the World Cup as a matter of caution from any injury risk ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.
“Not this year. We do not know. It's up to [Joel Embiid] to decide. We await his decision and we hope,” France head coach Vincent Collet said on Embiid's World Cup availability in an interview with Serbian newspaper Telegraf.
In just 2023 alone, Embiid's playing time was significantly reduced upon facing a multitude of injuries ranging from his foot, knee, and calf.
Unfortunately for the Les Bleus faithful, Embiid is not the only French center who has confirmed his intent to skip this year's tournament.
Victor Wembanyama (France, Group H)
Touted as the NBA's greatest young prospect, 2023's No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama has also ruled himself out for France's World Cup bid.
The seven-footer standout shared the same reason as his compatriot Embiid on what he deems to be a 'necessary sacrifice' ahead of his highly anticipated rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs.
"It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health [to play in the World Cup]," Wembanyama told French news outlet L'Equipe back in June.
"I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The France team is still my focus. I want to win as many titles as possible with them but I think it’s a necessary sacrifice," he added.
And with only two games played for the Spurs in the NBA Summer League to minimize injury risks, Wemby will only be looking on from afar as the reigning World Cup bronze medalists chase a maiden gold — starting against iGroup H foes Canada, Latvia, and Lebanon.
USA's veteran core (Group C)
And for every Filipino hoops fan, the exclusion of NBA's household names, veteran stars, and national team mainstays is a major dagger — more so with the Philippines set to host USA's Group C matches at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With a young and fresh look for Team USA, no one from the squad's seventh-placed 2019 World Cup roster stayed onboard for this year's showpiece.
That star-studded lineup featured the likes of NBA stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Kemba Walker, and Khris Middleton.
Sadly, Golden State Warriors and USA head coach Steve Kerr will not have the league's usual vanguards in Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden at his disposal.
But do not fret as the Americans will parade a fine mix of youth and experience in its 2023 World Cup roster, with some of the NBA's high-flying and fast-rising stars taking flight for the five-time world champions.
Witness the likes of Anthony Edwards, Austin Reaves, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Brunson, and Brandon Ingram battle it out in Group C against Greece, Jordan, and New Zealand when the quadrennial global showpiece raises its curtains on August 25.
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