Isaiah Thomas praised Giannis Antetokounmpo’s global impact and suggested it might be time for him to leave Milwaukee. Thomas also teased the possibility of continuing his career in Europe.
In Athens, under the glow of the Larry O'Brien NBA trophy and the warmth of the Greek sun, Isaiah Thomas stood as a living symbol of basketball perseverance.
Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas
Position: PG
Age: 36
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Birth place: Tacoma, United States of America
The two-time NBA All-Star, best known for his heroic playoff run with the Boston Celtics, spoke with Dimitra Irioti of COSMOTE TV during his first visit to Greece.
Thomas, still a fan favorite and a symbol of resilience, didn’t rule out extending his career overseas—and maybe even in a country that welcomed him with open arms.
“I love the culture of Greece,” Thomas said. “I've been here for a few days and it's just been a blessing. The love and support I got from a country I've never been to is amazing. You never know, I might be playing out here at some point.”
That openness to a new chapter in Europe isn’t just a vague idea. He’s been keeping an eye on former NBA players like Kendrick Nunn, the EuroLeague MVP and centerpiece of Panathinaikos.
“Kendrick Nunn is a special player. He’s made the transition from the NBA to here at a high level. He’s a lefty, smaller guard—I love watching him play,” Thomas said. “You never know, maybe we can be teammates one day.”
When asked if that meant a potential move to Panathinaikos or another European club, Thomas smiled:
“You never know. My options are open.”
“Giannis might be looking for a new challenge”
Unsurprisingly, the conversation shifted to Greece’s biggest basketball ambassador—Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thomas, who has both competed against and admired the Bucks superstar, had high praise:
“Giannis’ impact has been amazing. Not just in Greece or the U.S.—worldwide. He’s one of the best players to ever play the game.”
But amid growing speculation that Antetokounmpo could leave Milwaukee in the near future, Thomas didn’t shy away from voicing his own opinion.
“It’s time to leave. He’s given that city and organization a championship, two MVPs. I think he’s going to try to get up out of there,” Thomas said. “Go to a big market—maybe New York or something.”
Still, he left room for uncertainty. “But you never know. He might stay.”
A career of challenges & no regrets
Thomas’ presence in Athens was more than ceremonial—it was reflective. The former MVP candidate has battled injuries, trades, and constant doubts about his size and longevity in a league that often overlooks players like him.
“My overall career has been about adversity. People doubting me, not giving me a chance. I’ve always had to take advantage of every opportunity.”
He famously played through injury during the 2017 playoffs with Boston—a decision many now view as courageous, if bittersweet.
“If I could go back and I knew I’d extend my injury, yeah, probably I wouldn’t play,” he admitted. “But at that point in time, it was a decision I made. You roll with your decisions.”
Shortly afterward, Thomas was traded to Cleveland—a move that highlighted the cold realities of professional sports.
“As a person, it’s tough to adjust. It’s tough to move your family and do all those things that people don’t see. But you understand—it’s the business of the game.”
Now 35, Thomas is not done. Whether it’s with Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, or another European powerhouse, he’s leaving the door wide open.
“I know about those teams. I’m a fan of the game, and those are two of the top teams in the world. It’s exciting to watch top-level talent, not just in the NBA but globally.”
His message, like his game, remains rooted in passion:
“Whenever the game gets me on the court at this age, I just love the game so much… As long as I can keep playing, the game goes on with me.”
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