Kyle Lowry has joined the long list of American players who will not be playing for the team in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Lowry underwent surgery on his left thumb over the offseason and had to withdraw from USA Basketball’s training camp this summer. He was hoping to be medically cleared in time to participate in the World Cup, but he announced on Monday that he has not received clearance yet.
“I was hoping (to) be cleared and ready for the tournament but I was not cleared for full basketball activities,” Lowry wrote in a statement on Instagram. “I was hoping to be available in time to help my country in their quest for gold this upcoming tournament. I love playing for USAB but I have to sit this one out and support the team from home. At the end of the day I believe the men that are playing will be great and will win the gold for our country… GO USAB!!”
Lowry, who has made five straight All-Star teams, helped the Toronto Raptors win the NBA championship in June. If he were also able to win a gold medal in the World Cup, that would have made for the perfect summer. Unfortunately his recovery from surgery did not go quickly enough.
The United States is the favorite entering the event, which begins on Aug. 31. Lowry was one of four remaining players on the roster who had made an NBA All-Star team, along with Kemba Walker, Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton.
Lowry, 33, is entering his final season under contract with the Raptors. Raptors executive Masai Ujiri has said he is planning to keep the team’s top players together for now.
