The Spurs needed some size up front behind Tim Duncan after Aron Baynes bolted for the Motor City, so San Antonio went to Europe to get some serious size — 7'3" Boban Marjanović.
Marjanović was set to play for the Serbian national team this summer in EuroBasket, but that’s not happening now due to an ankle injury, the Spurs announced in a press release.
“After a physical exam, which included a MRI, San Antonio Spurs center Boban Marjanović has been diagnosed significant bony edema in his left ankle... As a result of these findings and in the best interest of his future health, Spurs officials have informed Marjanović and the Serbian Basketball Federation that, under the agreement between FIBA and the NBA, Marjanović will not be allowed to participate with the Serbian National Team in Eurobasket 2015.”
The letter the Spurs sent the Serbian national team says Marjanović should spend three weeks in an air cast resting his foot, then be reevaluated.
The Serbian National Team will challenge this medical finding, according to Sportando, saying the physical he took with them a few weeks ago did not show this. FIBA could be forced to help a player decide between club and country.
A bony Edema means swelling of the bone due to water — basically what happens to your ankle when you sprain it, only with the bone. The press release doesn’t get into the cause, but it likely was direct injury (otherwise it’s due to a stress injury or arthritis).
Certainly the Spurs prefer to keep their players out of international competitions, but guys such as Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker often do participate.
