Blake Griffin injury: Fractured back forced Clippers star to withdraw from Team USA
By Josh Sanchez
Earlier this month, Blake Griffin was forced to withdraw from Team USA as they prepare for the FIBA World Cup in August.
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Now, we have a clearer idea of why the Los Angeles Clippers star forward was forced to make the decision to leave the team.
According to a report from ESPN Los Angeles, Griffin was told that he has a small fracture in his back and it requires time to fully heal before the start of the 2014-15 NBA regular season.
While a fractured back certainly seems to be reason for concern, the injury is not believed to be serious.
Sitting out for the FIBA World Cup is to ensure Griffin has the time he needs to be 100 percent in time for the start of the new season.
"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 of international competition this summer for precautionary reasons."
With Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love also withdrawing from international play, the United States have some depth concerns in the front court.
Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks was added to Team USA as a late replacement, in hopes of adding some talent to the front court and reducing some of the depth concerns.