The New York Knicks are likely glad that rookie RJ Barrett has declined to take part in Team Canada's quest in the FIBA 2019 World Cup, but the Duke product is by no means happy to miss out on this opportunity to take the world stage alongside his compatriots.

Barrett's camp reportedly urged him not to play after nursing a calf injury stemming from his stint in the NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.

“I'm very disappointed. I play every summer and I definitely wanted to play this summer.”

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Barrett shined last year in competition, even before he took part in Duke's regular season, setting the stage for a successful collegiate run and later getting drafted by the Knicks with the third overall pick.

New York will put a lot of energy into his development this season, much like they did with former lottery pick Kevin Knox last season. Barrett is one of many NBA players who have turned down the opportunity to play at the World Cup stage, one many players cherish. Yet the re-assignment of the competition ahead of an Olympic year only compounds the problem for those who play a major part of a grueling 82-game NBA schedule.

That along with competition taking place closer to the start of the NBA season (which now starts earlier as well), creates a difficult proposition for athletes that want to play for their country, but also head into the season fit and healthy, rather than battle-tested after a six-week commitment.