After Anthony Davis, another NBA superstar says he won’t play in the World Cup.
Houston Rockets superstar James Harden won’t play in the 2019 World Cup. As Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports, the former NBA MVP won’t join Team USA in the tournament to “prepare for changes with the Rockets.”
Harden becomes the second American player that decides to not play in the World Cup after being named to the preliminary squad, following L.A. Lakers big man Anthony Davis. Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons also said that he’ll skip China.
Harden has won the gold medal with Team USA in the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 World Cup.
2019 FIBA World Cup – NBA Players to watch outside of USA
The FIBA World Cup is just around the corner and here are some of the top NBA players to watch from nations outside of USA!
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece): Without a doubt the start of the tournament! Giannis is the current NBA MVP and for the first time since 2016, he will be playing for his country Greece in hopes of winning them the World Cup. Giannis averaged 27.7 ppg 12.5 RPG and 5.9 APG and took the Bucks to the East Finals this season. It is going to be very hard for anyone to contain him in this tournament given his all-around dominance on both ends. Considering how he destroyed the best league in the world this season, you’d have to say Giannis is going to have a HUGE World Cup and will be expected to deliver Greece a medal this year. Giannis is 2nd favourite at odds 5.00 to be the tournaments top scorer and his team Greece are the 3rd favourites to win the tournament at odds 13.00.
So disappointed with Nigeria, thought they'd make strides this year but not even getting past a Shved-less Russia and a old Argentina side.. Poor tournament from them
It’s becoming apparent that Giannis is getting exposed. Greece lack shooters and his performances have simply not been up to par. He has been very disappointing along with Greece
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Official page - fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019
Group draw results: