According to a report from Michael Grange of Sportsnet, Warriors guard Cory Joseph will officially be no longer joining Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup.
The decision was a mutual one between Joseph and Team Canada, due to him having a back issue flair-up in camp. The main priority for Joseph is making sure his body is ready for the start of the Warriors' training camp in roughly a little under two months. It's unfortunate for Team Canada, but the team still has the firepower of Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.
Cory Joseph is one of the Golden State Warriors' newest acquisitions. He most recently played with the Detroit Pistons the past three seasons, and the Warriors will be the first playoff team he's played with in roughly five years. Last season, he lost his starting job with the Detroit Pistons and averaged 6.9 points and 3.5 assists on 43/39/79. All of his numbers have declined since the 2021-22 season, but it also comes with the territory of losing a starting job.
While it's unfortunate, it makes sense that Cory Joseph would decline to join the FIBA World Cup. The Warriors are the first contender that's taken an interest in Joseph in some time, and he likely wants to hold up his end of the bargain. If successful, Joseph will have the opportunity to play for a contender again in the very near future.
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