The 2012 London Olympics are expected to pose few problems for Team USA as it attempts to challenge for another gold medal, but the basketball team could run in to a few roadblocks in the week's ahead. It seems one of its rivals could be shorthanded, however, as Spain is currently missing a valuable contributor in Juan Carlos Navarro.
Juan Carlos Navarro Injury: Plantar Fasciitis Sidelines Spanish Basketball Star
Navarro might not be familiar to NBA fans considering he spent just one season with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007, but the man better known as "La Bomba" is one of the better scoring guards in international basketball. Unfortunately for Spain, however, he missed Tuesday's game against Australia with plantar fasciitis -- and he'll likely miss more time, too, according to coach Sergio Scariolo.
“It was very strong and all of a sudden,” Scariolo said. “It is nothing related with his former problems. It is a probably a new injury. It is plantar fasciitis, but it is probably in a different place [within the foot].
“He couldn’t play. I don’t know how many games he will miss.”
Considering Spain is already without Ricky Rubio this summer due to injury, the lack of Navarro in the backcourt certainly isn't a good situation. Spain has a few other solid NBA players with Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol and Rudy Fernandez, but both of its starting guards being out would certainly spell trouble for the Spaniards against Team USA.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation’s London 2012 Olympics hub. For more on Olympic basketball, follow the 2012 Olympic basketball section.
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