Victor Wembanyama's withdrawal from the Basketball World Cup could help Canada

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Victor Wembanyama announced today that he won't play for France at this summer's Basketball World Cup. The 19-year sensation previously said he would take part in the tournament — a key qualifier for next year's Olympics in Paris — but revealed the change of plans four days after being picked first overall in the NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs.

"It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health," Wembanyama told the French newspaper L'Equipe. The 7-foot-4 centre added that pulling out of the World Cup was a "difficult" decision that he made "on his own" after consulting with his medical team.

The loss of Wembanyama could be a blow to France's medal chances at the World Cup, where they're coming off back-to-back bronze wins in 2014 and '19. But it won't necessarily hurt their bid for a second straight Olympic podium. The 2021 silver medallists are guaranteed a spot in Paris next summer as the host nation.

WATCH | Wembanyama selected No. 1 overall by San Antonio Spurs:

The other obvious losers here are basketball fans, who were excited to see the most highly touted prospect since LeBron James compete on a big international stage before making his NBA debut in the fall. They'll now have to get their Wembanyama fix via next month's NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where the phenom is still planning to play for the Spurs' team. 

A possible winner from Wembanyama's withdrawal is Canada. The Canadian men are in France's group for the World Cup, so their path to advancing to the next round — and perhaps all the way to Olympic