While NBA stars across the globe are already making summer appearances for their national teams, Milwaukee Bucks superstar and Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to step on the court for a single friendly. The nation’s top player is in peak form and eager to wear the national colors, yet his absence continues to puzzle fans and analysts.
On Friday, as the team departed for Cyprus, Antetokounmpo stayed behind, working out alone on the auxiliary court. With no signs of injury, the question grows louder — why isn’t he traveling or taking part in full team training?
That may now have an explanation. Greek outlet SDNA reports that Giannis’ absence from Greece’s opening EuroBasket warm-up games stems from unpaid insurance.
SDNA reported that Giannis’ participation depends on one payment that would guarantee insurance in the event of an accident or setback. The outlet added that the national team coach was uncertain if Giannis would suit up on August 14 in Thessaloniki for the next friendly against Montenegro.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Greek National Team
Still, he is anticipated to feature in upcoming games. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis noted that Giannis Antetokounmpo is on a set plan aimed at ensuring he reaches top form for EuroBasket. Earlier in the week, Spanoulis spoke about his status and stated that the Milwaukee Bucks forward is committed to a personalized preparation routine.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to rejoin Greece later in August for their opening group games in Limassol, where they’ll compete in Group A alongside Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, and reigning champions Spain.
Ahead of FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Greece will face Latvia and Italy in the Acropolis Tournament in Athens before meeting France on August 24. Injuries will sideline Vassilis Toliopoulos, Vangelis Zougris, and Omiros Netzipoglou, while Alexandros Nikolaidis and Lefteris Liotopoulos have been cut from the roster.
Milwaukee could be holding off until it’s clear whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will be traded or remain with the team. Should a deal go through, his new club would need to take over the process. It seems likely that the situation will be settled within the next 10 days. Even so, the EEC’s lack of communication has left Greek supporters puzzled over why Giannis is missing from training sessions and absent from friendly games.
