The Los Angeles Clippers player Nicolas Batum has decided not to participate in the EuroBasket 2022 (September 1-18) with the French national team.
In an interview with First Team, the 33-year-old admitted that it was difficult for him to recover physically after the Tokyo Olympics and compete this season.
Batum also added: "I have a huge season ahead of me with the Clippers. This may be my only chance to go all the way and win the NBA championship."
The 2.03-meter forward has missed only one major basketball event since 2011. It was EuroBasket 2017.
In his awards collection with the French NT, he has three bronzes (2014 and 2019 World Cups, EuroBasket 2015), two silver medals (EuroBasket 2011, Olympic Games 2020), and one golden accolade (EuroBasket 2013).
French veteran guard Nando De Colo will be another missing piece in the EuroBasket 2022.
France will compete in the upcoming EuroBasket's Group B alongside Lithuania, Slovenia, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary.
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