Giannis makes decision Bucks fans saw coming from a mile away

Giannis Antetokounmpo has confirmed he will play for Greece in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, meaning Milwaukee Bucks fans will see him play sooner than expected. This participation follows a busy Bucks offseason involving squashed rumors about Giannis, the acquisition of Myles Turner, and the waiving of Damian Lillard.

Greece's title aspirations heavily depend on Giannis performing at his best. He has a proven track record of leading teams to victory at the highest levels, including his dominant 2021 NBA Finals performance and carrying Greece further than expected in previous EuroBasket and Olympic competitions. He will be partnered with his younger brother Kostas in the tournament, while his brother Thanasis remains out recovering from a May 2024 Achilles tear.

Despite missing significant time late in the 2023-24 NBA season, Giannis performed exceptionally at the Paris Olympics, averaging 25.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, leading Greece out of a tough group before losing to Germany. He will enter EuroBasket fully healthy. However, Greece will be without veteran point guard Nick Calathes (knee) and big man Georgios Papagiannis.

While the Bucks' additions of Turner and Jericho Sims reduce the likelihood of Giannis playing center in the NBA, coach Doc Rivers has suggested potential roles as point guard or point center. Regarding other Bucks connections, rookie Bogoljub Markovic might be selected for Serbia, and former Buck Danilo Gallinari will play for Italy, facing Giannis and Greece in Group C.

Greece is placed in Group C alongside Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Cyprus. The group stage games will be held in Limassol, Cyprus, between August 28 and September 4, with the top four teams advancing. The single-elimination knockout stage will take place in Riga, Latvia, from September 6 to September 14.