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Milwaukee Bucks
Aug 27, 2025 2:30 PM EDT
After another dominant 2024–25 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again preparing for another season of basketball. The Milwaukee Bucks star averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this past season, leading his team back to the playoffs before falling short of another title run.
Now, as he joins the Greek National Team, attention has turned to how he will be used in this summer’s tournament. With Greece drawn into a competitive group, there were talks about whether or not the team plans to limit the superstar’s minutes. Ahead of Thursday’s opener against Italy, head coach Vassilis Spanoulis made his decision clear.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Giannis Antetokounmpo (34). — Source: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Greece’s Plans to Utilize Giannis Antetokounmpo at EuroBasket
Speaking at Greece’s official pre-tournament press conference, Spanoulis shut down any speculation about resting Antetokounmpo during early games.
“Giannis can play as much as I want him to play, we are in the official games now and there’s no limitations any more,” he said, confirming that the two-time NBA MVP will be available at full capacity.
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Captain Kostas Papanikolaou also praised Antetokounmpo’s presence, calling him not only an elite player but a stronger leader than ever.
“He is one of the top players in the world… he is reaching out to everybody, he is helping everyone, and he makes sure everyone knows what he has to do,” Papanikolaou said. “He is more vocal compared to his first years in the national team. That makes the team function better.”
Greece opens EuroBasket 2025 in Group C, facing Italy, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and host Cyprus. The top four teams from the group will advance to the knockout rounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s International Impact and What’s Lies Ahead in Milwaukee
Antetokounmpo has long been the face of Greek basketball, carrying the national team in several major tournaments. At EuroBasket 2019, he averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 rebounds, though Greece fell in the Round of 16. He returned in 2022 with an even stronger showing, including a 41-point performance against Ukraine, but Greece again exited in the quarterfinals against Germany. His dominance has never been in question, but consistency from the rest of the roster has often determined Greece’s ceiling.
Now entering his 12th NBA season with Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo remains central to the Bucks’ title hopes. The franchise faces questions after another early playoff elimination, but his decision to commit to Greece this summer highlights his continued dedication to both club and country. His EuroBasket form could set the tone for both Greece’s push into medal contention and his return to the NBA later this fall.
About the Author
Ayomide Adeduyite
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Ayomide Adeduyite is a contributing writer for the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.