Thanasis Antetokounmpo says EuroBasket 2025 is both a blessing and a chance to regain his rhythm, calling European basketball a global stage that makes players better by competing for their countries.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo will be back with the Milwaukee Bucks next season after signing a guaranteed one-year, $2.9 million contract.
But before returning to the NBA, he's suiting up for Greece in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 — his first action since missing the entire 2024–25 season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Asked what European competition has given him as a player and how it has shaped the NBA, Thanasis pointed to two main things.
"A lot of things, but I think the two main things are, first, it's global," Thanasis told reporters. "You have talent from all around the world playing and competing. You have talent from all over, not just in players, but in coaching, GMs, etc. It's a great product."
"Then, in terms of basketball, you just get better," Antetokounmpo added. "It's not off-season work. It's a tournament, something you compete for — for yourself and for your country."
Credit FIBA
Antetokounmpo has averaged 2.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in six EuroBasket games, playing 12.4 minutes per contest.
For him, the tournament has also been an important step in his NBA comeback.
"It's a blessing from God. It's a blessing to come back and have a jumpstart like this," he said. "It doesn't happen often, and I'm blessed to be able to serve on the court, find my steps, find my rhythm, and build."
The 33-year-old forward is now preparing to face Lithuania in the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals on Tuesday.
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