Canada is one of the strongest candidates to win gold at the next World Cup alongside the United States. However, their leader, the current NBA champion, will not participate in the August-September event.

The Canadian Basketball Federation has confirmed what has been running for some time. The star of their team, the current NBA champion, Jamal Murray will not participate in the world championships.

The 26-year-old has had a very trying season. He played in 65 regular season games and 20 playoff games, leading the Denver Nuggets to a league title with Nikola Jokic. It affected his health.

“When I showed up to training camp, I wanted to see how my body would react and see if I could compete at the World Cup at my best,” Murray said.

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It turned out that Canada’s quarterback needed a rest. “Together with the medical staff, we made the very difficult decision for me to skip the World Cup,” the 26-year-old said.

In Murray’s absence, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will lead the team. Canada’s team also includes players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kelly Olynyk, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks.

The World Cup will start on August 25 and run until September 10. 32 teams participate. Canada is part of a group with France, Latvia and Lebanon.

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