Kyle Lowry of the NBA champion Toronto Raptors says his surgically repaired thumb has not recovered sufficiently enough to allow him to participate with USA Basketball in camp for the FIBA World Cup, and he is withdrawing from consideration for the team.
Lowry made the announcement Monday after meeting with his surgeon to gauge the recovery of his thumb, which was operated on last month. He was hoping to be on the court with the Americans this week when they resume practice in Southern California.
Lowry wrote on Instagram that he loves “playing for USAB but I have to sit this one out and support the team from home.”
Lowry’s decision means there are 15 players in the running for 12 spots on the final roster. Sacramento still has two players left as World Cup roster candidates, with Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox headed to camp this week. The Boston Celtics have four: Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart (who is also dealing with an injury), Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker.
Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton remain candidates, along with Brooklyn’s Joe Harris, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Kyle Kuzma, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, Denver’s Mason Plumlee, Houston’s P.J. Tucker, Indiana’s Myles Turner and San Antonio’s Derrick White.
The Americans will practice at the Lakers’ facility Tuesday through Thursday, then face Spain in Anaheim, California, on Friday night.