Report: DeRozan withdrawing from NBA Africa game
Newly acquired San Antonio Spurs star DeMar DeRozan has reportedly withdrawn from participating in Basketball Without Borders and the NBA Africa game, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes.
The decision comes just one week after DeRozan was dealt by the Toronto Raptors in the blockbuster trade including Kawhi Leonard. Since the announcement, the four-time All-Star has expressed his disappointment in how Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri handled the trade, saying he was blindsided and misled in the days prior.
Ujiri is the face of the NBA's efforts to help grow the sport throughout Africa and is an ambassador for Basketball Without Borders.
DeRozan will reportedly take the time off to begin preparing for his arrival in San Antonio, according to Haynes.
The NBA Africa Game 2018 is set to be played in Pretoria, South Africa on Aug. 4. DeRozan was included on Team World with the likes of Harrison Barnes, Danilo Gallinari, and fellow Spur Rudy Gay.
Former teammates Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka will represent Team Africa.