Giannis Antetokounmpo: Greece face Issues due to NBA Complications

Greece's biggest star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has been training individually, separate from the team as they prepare for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.

Greek national team coach Dimitris Itoudis has gathered his players at the OAKA Arena since July 28th, waiting for the participation of the NBA superstar.

Giannis and the Greek Basketball Federation are awaiting written permission from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Until they receive it, Giannis can train but not play in games; this is according to the FIBA-NBA agreement.

NBA players can join their national teams' training camps 28 days before the start of a major FIBA tournament.

Giannis was recently ranked as the best player in the Eastern Conference by the NBA.

With EuroBasket tipping off on August 28th, Giannis should have been available from August 1st.

Eurohoops reports that the Bucks, due to their contract with Giannis, the Bucks must grant permission.

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The FIBA insurance policy, handled by the Greek Federation, doesn't cover Giannis's massive salary in case of injury.

There's a limit in the insurance agreement, and Giannis, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic are among the few non-US players whose salaries significantly exceed that limit.

Greece clearly expected Giannis to play in the warm-up games against Serbia and Montenegro.

He even travelled with the team to Thessaloniki, despite it being known that he wouldn't participate.

The Bucks are allowed to protect their investment, creating a delicate situation.

Even Doncic and Jokic, who played in exhibition games, are protected when there's no need for them to play under pressure.

The issue is expected to be resolved soon, and Giannis is anticipated to play in the Acropolis Tournament, including the game against France on August 24th, the final tune-up before EuroBasket.

EuroBasket 2025 takes place from August 27th to September 14th in four countries: Finland, Georgia, Latvia, and Cyprus.

Twenty-four national teams will compete, divided into four groups, but the knockout stage will be held in Riga.