Giannis Antetokounmpo, the renowned Milwaukee Bucks superstar, is set to represent Greece at the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, which kicks off later this month.
However, as noted by Aris Barkas of Eurohoops, Giannis has not participated in any of the Greek national team’s recent preparation games. Today marks the third consecutive match that Antetokounmpo will miss, as Greece takes on Israel in the ongoing competition.
Instead of playing with his teammates, Giannis has been training individually in Athens. This has left some uncertainty surrounding his involvement in the team’s next game against Montenegro, scheduled for Thursday in Thessaloniki.
Greek national team coach Vassilis Spanoulis shared his thoughts on the situation, telling Greek national television, “We don’t know yet if he will play in Thessaloniki. Giannis will be on the court when he should be.”
His words suggest that while Antetokounmpo’s participation is not guaranteed, the team is leaving the door open for his return at the right moment.
Though it’s common for a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber to receive special treatment due to his NBA superstar status, his absence has stirred some unease among Greece’s opponents.
Serbian coach Svetislav Pesic openly voiced his disappointment that Giannis was missing from Saturday’s game.
Pesic explained, “I’m sorry that Giannis is not here; that’s why we scheduled this tournament.”
He emphasized the mutual respect and connection between the teams by adding, “We have a good relationship with the Greeks; they always respond to us.”
Giannis is saving himself for the EuroBasket tourney: https://t.co/n4gi6tKhyo
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) August 10, 2025
