Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Blake Griffin was supposed to represent Team USA in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. But last week, news broke out that he withdrew from the team for unknown reasons. Turns out, Blake has an injury.
ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reports that Griffin withdrew from the team last week due to a small fracture in his back:
Griffin suffered the previously unreported injury during the playoffs. He's expected to make a full recovery, but not in time for USA camp
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 29, 2014
Blake Griffin withdrew from Team USA camp to rest a small fracture in his back. It is not believed to be serious. https://t.co/ikhzD8Ehj5 — Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 29, 2014
Griffin suffered from back spasms in late March, though it's unclear whether this latest ailment is related.
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports analyzed what Griffin's exit would mean for Team USA:
Hawks forward Paul Millsap will be the only addition to @usabasketball, source said. USA recently lost big men Kevin Love & Blake Griffin.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 27, 2014
Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo weighed in on the situation before news of this injury broke.
"I'm disappointed he's not going to be with us," Colangelo told USA Today's Sam Amick. "It's unfortunate (because) it's been two competitions in a row (that Griffin has missed), but it sounds like a broken record because it happened recently with someone else."
Should the L.A. Clippers management worry about Blake’s long term health? No, as the injury should not keep him shelved for a long time and this might be a blessing in disguise as there will be less chances of him getting injured during the tournament.
