After being originally cleared to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly “blocked” Juancho Hernangomez to withdraw due to a shoulder injury suffered while “in exhibition play” according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski,
📹 Horas de trabajo. Esfuerzo. Compromiso con #LaFamilia.
— Baloncesto España (@BaloncestoESP) July 19, 2021
JUANCHO IS BACK.@juanchiviris41 🔥#SomosEquipo pic.twitter.com/KG94rpq278
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas explained the franchise’s decision in a team-released statement:
“We support our international players’ decisions to play with their National teams and appreciate the passion of Juancho and the Spanish Federation to represent their country,”
“Unfortunately, we are dealing with an active injury. Based on our team physician’s recommendation, Juancho needs time to recover from and rehabilitate his injury, and that timeline restricts Juancho’s availability to participate in the Tokyo Olympics.”
Spain did not appeal Minnesota’s decision and replaced Hernangomez with Xabi Lopez-Arostegui.
According to The Athletic, Hernangomez was “deeply disappointed” by his team’s decision.
Hernangomez was left deeply disappointed and hurt by the Wolves’ decision, sources told The Athletic, which will leave some damage repair to be done before training camp opens in September.
