Giannis Antetokounmpo has become a focal point of discussion as the Greek national basketball team prepares for EuroBasket 2025. The controversy arose during a warm-up game on August 16 in Athens when a video surfaced showing Antetokounmpo slapping teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis on the back of the head during a team huddle. This moment quickly spread through social media, sparking a heated debate over whether the gesture was playful or inappropriate.
Though Antetokounmpo did not play in the game against Montenegro, he was visibly engaged on the bench, actively communicating and motivating his teammates. The slap, delivered in the middle of this engagement, was interpreted differently by fans and analysts, leading to polarized opinions around the Greek basketball community.
Mixed Reactions to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Gesture During Team Interaction
During the game, Antetokounmpo’s light tap on Larentzakis’ head was caught on camera, creating instant reactions online. Many criticized the move as disrespectful, especially since Larentzakis is older and more experienced. One comment on X (formerly Twitter) called it a “Cheap shot. Should be fined,” highlighting concerns about sportsmanship and respect within the team dynamics.
It shows no quality and respect towards the Greek team.
— Fan Comment
Others defended the act as typical team banter, arguing that such interactions are common among Greek players as a means of communicating messages within the squad.
This is how Greeks interact and get a message across.
— Supporter
Some supporters of Antetokounmpo suggested that Larentzakis may have provoked the reaction, although nothing definitive is visible in the footage. Observers noted that moments like this align with Giannis’s passionate and intense style of engagement both on and off the court. Nevertheless, even among those who viewed the slap as friendly, there was a consensus that the gesture might have been poorly timed or insensitive.
One fan expressed mixed feelings, saying,
“Love Giannis, but not a good look here.”
Coach Spanoulis Addresses the Situation While Emphasizing Team Unity
The head coach of the Greek national team, Vassilis Spanoulis, chose to downplay the controversy, defending Antetokounmpo’s role as a positive force in the team’s preparations.
Giannis brings energy to every practice and every huddle. His teammates know him and understand his passion.
— Vassilis Spanoulis, Head Coach
Spanoulis highlighted that Antetokounmpo’s involvement goes beyond moments like these, positioning him as a critical motivator as Greece progresses toward EuroBasket 2025. Antetokounmpo recently returned to full team practices after receiving clearance from the Milwaukee Bucks, transitioning from solo workouts to intense group sessions. His participation in the upcoming Akropolis Tournament, where Greece will face Latvia, Italy, and France, marks his first competitive appearance this summer before the main event starts on August 27.
Greece’s Challenging Road Ahead at EuroBasket 2025 and the Role of Team Chemistry
Greece is placed in a demanding Group C for EuroBasket 2025, competing against strong teams like Italy, Spain, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and host nation Cyprus in Riga, Latvia. The stakes are high as only the top four teams will advance to the knockout stages, making every match critical.
Despite the slap incident drawing attention, it appears unlikely to affect the team’s focus. Antetokounmpo’s longstanding connection with Larentzakis, dating back to their high school days, strengthens team cohesion and ensures personal disputes remain private. The overall hope is that Giannis’s intense energy and leadership will inspire the Greek team to deliver a noteworthy performance on the European stage.