Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol will not play for Spain at Eurobasket 2013, the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) says.
Gasol was only able to play 49 games last season with the Lakers due plantar fasciitis, the 32-year-old underwent medical tests after his side’s playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs and it revealed that although the plantar fasciitis had subsided considerably, he had developed tendinosis, which amounts to degeneration of tissue, in his knees.
He announced his decision to skip the event in Slovenia by writing an open letter and sending it to the Spanish Federation who then uploaded it to their official website.
“Aiming to avoid future problems, I was submitted on 9 May to a simple intervention in order to improve the tissue of the tendons in my knees,” Gasol explained.
“After estimating the time schedule of the rehabilitation process, which has already started, together with a medical team I have full confidence in, I regret to confirm that that I will not be able to participate at the upcoming European championship in Slovenia, that I was very excited about.
“My primary objective now is to recuperate my form with a view to the next season and be prepared, if I am called upon, for the next challenge in line for the national team, at World Cup 2014 in Spain.”
Gasol ended the letter by wishing Spain the best of luck as they look for their third straight Eurobasket gold medal. The seven-footer won the MVP award in Poland in 2009 and was close to repeating that feat in 2011, but lost out to team-mate Juan Carlos Navarro.
Spain have been handed a tough draw in the opening stage, where they will be in Group C together with Georgia, Poland, Croatia, the Czech Republic and hosts Slovenia. It will be the second straight Eurobasket where the Spanish are with the hosts.
