Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin reportedly has a small fracture in his back, which led him to withdraw last week from the USA's FIBA World Cup team. Griffin is expected to recover from the injury by the start of the NBA season, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
Griffin withdrawing from Team USA last week came as a surprise. ESPN reported Griffin's decision to sit out for the World Cup came at the suggestion of his doctors.
"(Griffin) withdrew last week from Team USA training camp for the FIBA World Cup because he was advised by doctors to give a small fracture in his back more time to heal before the start of the next NBA season, sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com," Shelburne wrote Monday. "Griffin is expected to make a full recovery from the injury, which sources say was suffered during the playoffs. However, doctors advised him to sit out international competition this summer for precautionary reasons."
It's unclear in which game Griffin suffered the injury. He released a statement last week announcing his decision to withdraw from the men's team, but he didn't indicate the decision was because of an injury.
"I appreciate the invitation to play for Team USA this summer," Griffin said in the statement, via ESPN. "It is a special opportunity anytime you have a chance to represent your country, and I was honored to be included. However, right now I want to focus and dedicate 100 percent of my energy on improving and preparing for the upcoming season with the Clippers."
Although Griffin is sidelined from international competition, ESPN reported he still is working out in Los Angeles with teammate DeAndre Jordan.
