Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to join Greece’s lineup for their opening preparation matches ahead of EuroBasket 2025. As Greece prepares to face Montenegro on Thursday in Thessaloniki, questions remain about the Milwaukee Bucks star’s participation due to unresolved issues affecting his availability. The situation around Giannis Antetokounmpo EuroBasket availability is still unclear as the game approaches.
Information from the Greek news outlet SDNA reveals that Antetokounmpo’s absence stems from unpaid insurance coverage, which is necessary to protect him in the event of an injury during national team activities. Without this insurance finalized, the star player cannot step onto the court for Greece’s preparation matches.
National Coach Discusses Factors Behind Antetokounmpo’s Uncertainty
Coach Vassilis Spanoulis expressed uncertainty about whether Giannis will be able to play against Montenegro on August 14. One possible reason for the insurance delay is linked to Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks. If a trade occurs, coordination between Greece and the player’s new <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA team must happen before any insurance agreement can be completed.
Despite the concerns, fans are hopeful as Giannis is expected to reach a resolution with the Bucks. Although rumors about a possible offseason trade circulated, the Bucks’ recent roster upgrades suggest that Antetokounmpo may remain with the team.
Upcoming Preparation Games Ahead of EuroBasket
After the Montenegro matchup, Greece plans three more warm-up games, all in Athens: against Latvia on August 20, Italy on August 22, and France on August 24. EuroBasket 2025 itself is set to launch on August 27 across four host nations—Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia. Greece will compete in Group C alongside Cyprus, Italy, Georgia, Spain, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bobby Portis Confirms Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Commitment to Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks underwent significant roster changes this offseason, including waiving Damian Lillard to clear salary cap space and adding players such as Myles Turner, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and Mark Sears. The team also secured key players like Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. through re-signings.
Despite ongoing trade speculation involving Antetokounmpo, teammate Bobby Portis reassured fans about Giannis’ loyalty to the Bucks during a broadcast on ESPN Milwaukee.
“I talk to Giannis all the time,” Portis said during an ESPN Milwaukee broadcast. “That’s my teammate. I think Giannis bleeds green. That’s all I can say.”
—Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks forward
With key Eastern Conference players such as Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers sidelined by Achilles injuries, the Bucks enter the season positioned as strong contenders.
Significance of Giannis’ Availability for Greece’s EuroBasket Prospects
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s participation is critical for Greece as the team seeks to advance in EuroBasket 2025, given his stature as one of the top basketball superstars worldwide. Resolving his insurance status and confirming his presence in upcoming games will be essential for Greece’s preparation and confidence moving into the tournament. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch the unfolding developments, especially in the coming days before Greece’s showdown against Montenegro in Thessaloniki.