Raptors star Kyle Lowry withdraws from FIBA World Cup participation

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) unwraps his thumb as he walks off the court at the end of second half NBA Eastern Conference finals playoff basketball action against the Milwaukee Bucks. (Frank Gunn/CP)

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry has withdrawn his participation with USA Basketball for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Lowry was hoping to be cleared to play for the United States at the World Cup he says he wasn’t able to get the go ahead after having thumb surgery in mid-July.

“I was hoping to be cleared and ready for the tournament but I was not for full basketball activities,” Lowry said in a statement he posted on Instagram announcing his withdrawal from the tournament.

Go USAB!!

1,112 Likes, 0 Comments – Kyle Lowry (@kyle_lowry7) on Instagram: “Go USAB!! “

Lowry is just the latest in the slew of NBA stars from across the globe who have withdrawn their participation in the World Cup for both injury (like in Lowry’s case) and other reasons.

The World Cup is set to begin on Aug. 31.

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