By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Daniel Theis has been ruled out of next week’s games in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and is considered questionable to play in the 2022 EuroBasket, the German Basketball Federation announced Saturday updating the status of the Indiana Pacers center.
Sidelined since appearing in the opening game of the series of friendly contests, he is training individually and monitored by the medical staff of the German national team in the attempt to be cleared to compete in EuroBasket. However, the latest update is alarming. A decision on keeping him on board moving forward will be made next week, as noted by DBB.
The experienced center will miss the games versus Sweden and Slovenia as Germany tips off Group J of the World Cup European Qualifiers. From there, the national team of his country will welcome France, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Hungary in Cologne through the preliminary round of EuroBasket.
Theis, 30, is under contract with the Pacers through the 2023-24 season with a team option for the 2024-25 season. He is set to make $8.6M next season and $9.1M in 2023-24. The team option is worth $9.5M.
Despite missing Theis in two out of the three prep games, Germany is undefeated. The toughest test against Serbia in Hamburg tonight will wrap up the 33rd Basketball-Supercup and the series of tuneup matchups.
Leading players are projected to be free agent Dennis Schroder and Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner. Notable absences include Maxi Kleber, Moe Wagner, and Isaac Bonga.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL