Greece’s chances in the upcoming EuroBasket 2025 lies largely on the shoulders of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. They will go as far as where the Greek Freak will take them.
That has been his job with the Bucks since 2018. He has to dominate for them to have a chance. Can he do that in Europe hoops where there are different rules? Two NBA analysts are not convinced.
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on against Germany during a menís basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on against Germany during a men’s basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
NBA on ESPN discussed the biggest stars to watch in the EuroBasket and dissected how they will perform. Tim McMahon, Tim Bontemps, and Brian Windhorst all seem to suggest that the Greek Freak will have a hard time and it is not his fault.
“The international game is tough on Giannis,” said Windhorst.
“They can just beat the hell out of him and they just flop incessantly in front of him.”
McMahon seconded Windhorst’s motion.
“The spacing is completely different with that lane and that style of play.”
NBA and FIBA rules have notable difference on the way the game is called. One notable difference is the lack of defensive three second violation which won’t help Antetokounmpo’s case. It also has different physical contact interpretations and fewer foul calls allowed.
Luka Doncic will excel better than Giannis Antetokounmpo
The trio picked another player who they think will have a better performance in the tournament. To them, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers will go full force since the regulation favors his style of play more.
“In Luka’s rookie year, he said something about how much easier it is to score in the NBA than in Europe,” McMahon said.
Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball over Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“People tried to make it a thing that he was taking a shot at NBA defense. All he was saying is that the spacing is completely different and much more open in the NBA. That obviously makes it a lot tougher on Giannis, who’s the best downhill attacker in the world.”
Their take is forgetting one thing. Antetokounmpo was EuroBasket 2022‘s top scorer. He averaged 29.3 per game in that edition with Greece reaching only the quarterfinals.
Doncic’s Slovenia had the same fate and he was the fourth best scorer in the tournament.
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