News Summary
In a recent interview, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed his desire to conclude his professional basketball career in Greece rather than settling in the U.S. After spending 13 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, he looks forward to returning to his roots and potentially playing for Greek teams like Olympiacos or Panathinaikos. His family’s connection to the league and his commitment to representing Greece in international competitions underlines his deep ties to Greek basketball. Antetokounmpo aims to secure another NBA championship with the Bucks before heading home.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Expresses Desire to Finish Career in Greece
In a recent interview on a popular Greek late-night talk show, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, announced his intention to conclude his professional basketball career in Greece. The statement has garnered widespread attention from sports fans and analysts alike, as Antetokounmpo is considered one of the league’s top players and a national hero in Greece.
Current NBA Status and Future Plans
Antetokounmpo, who is 30 years old, is currently in his 13th season with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is under contract with the team through the 2026-2027 NBA season, with two more years remaining before he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2027. The player indicated that he expects to continue competing in the NBA until he is between 36 and 38 years old, suggesting he believes he has several more seasons at a high level of performance..
Desire to Return to Greece Post-Retirement
During the interview, Antetokounmpo emphasized his strong desire not to settle in the United States after ending his NBA career. Instead, he expressed a deep wish to return to Greece and continue his basketball journey there. He revisited his early days in professional basketball, noting that he began his career with Filathlitikos, a Greek B league team, where he played for two seasons before entering the 2013 NBA draft.
Potential Greek Teams for Post-NBA Career
The Greek basketball scene has several prominent teams, and Antetokounmpo mentioned a few as potential options if he chooses to play in Greece after his NBA days. These teams include Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Aris. His connections to these teams highlight his deep roots within Greek basketball, and he has expressed openness to returning to compete at home, possibly wearing one of these uniforms.
Family Connections and NBA Milestones
In recent months, the Milwaukee Bucks signed Antetokounmpo’s brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract. This signing is historic as it marks the first time three siblings—Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex—are on the same active NBA roster. This family connection underscores the strong Greek influence within the team and highlights Giannis’s dedication to keeping his family involved in the sport at the highest level.
International Achievements and Personal Goals
Throughout his career, Antetokounmpo has prioritized representing Greece in international competitions. His participation in EuroBasket and other tournaments has earned him widespread admiration, with a bronze medal at EuroBasket being described as his “greatest accomplishment.” His commitment to national pride remains a significant aspect of his identity as a player.
Future Outlook and Possible Contract Considerations
Despite his clear intention to finish his NBA career in the coming years, Antetokounmpo acknowledged that his future decisions might depend on the Bucks’ team performance in upcoming seasons. After facing some early playoff exits recently, there is speculation that he could reevaluate his options if the team does not meet expectations. Nevertheless, his ultimate goal remains to secure another NBA championship with Milwaukee before planning his return home to Greece.
Summary
In summary, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s statements reveal his long-term plan to eventually wind down his pro basketball journey in Greece. Currently committed to the Bucks until at least 2027, the player is still evaluating his next steps as he continues his impressive career in the NBA. His desire to reintegrate into Greek basketball and his familial ties in the league suggest that, once he retires from the NBA, he could remain active on the Greek basketball scene, contributing both as a player and a role model for aspiring Greek athletes.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants to Play in Greece After NBA Career
- Hoops Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Plans to Finish Career in Greece
- The Guardian: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Plans for Retirement
- NBC Sports: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Future and Retirement Plans
- Wikipedia: Giannis Antetokounmpo
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