Blake Griffin withdrew from FIBA World Cup due to back injury – report

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin reportedly withdrew from the US team of NBA stars that will defend their world title in a few weeks because of a back injury.

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that Griffin has a small fracture in his back that will not require surgery and that rest will permit the injury to heal in time for him to be ready for the Clippers’ training camp in September.

Griffin was among 19 players selected for the US camp this week that started the selection process for the final roster of the squad that will defend the world title in Spain from August 30 to September 14 at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Kevin Love recently withdrew from the US squad as well, citing his “current status” in the free agent market.

If the American squad of NBA stars does not win the world title again, it will have to attempt to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics to defend gold by way of the 2015 Tournament of the Americas. – Rappler.com