Giannis’ mysterious summer: what’s really happening with Antetokounmpo in Greece

Just 45 minutes before tip-off against Bosnia last Tuesday, the Greek federation announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo would not play due to a knock on one of his knees. Yet after the defeat, coach Vassilis Spanoulis rushed to confirm that the ‘34’ would be available against Spain. Too much secrecy – such has been the entire summer for the Milwaukee Bucks phenomenon.

Although he joined Greece’s training camp from the start on home soil, Antetokounmpo missed the first four friendlies and had to wait until August 20 to make his debut in a warm-up against Latvia. Finally, the Bucks gave the green light for his participation. He also played against France before the tournament began, but since then his minutes have been carefully rationed. He featured against Italy and Georgia, but sat out against Cyprus and Bosnia.

The Bucks have hovered over Antetokounmpo all summer. Some say it’s an attempt to woo him, to silence any thought of leaving the franchise. Others argue it’s all about ensuring he is physically ready for the NBA season, one in which the 2021 champions are pinning plenty of hopes. Despite losing Damian Lillard, they secured a marquee signing in Myles Turner and kept Kevin Porter, Taurean Prince and Gary Trent. They also re-signed his brother Thanasis – a move aimed squarely at keeping Giannis close. General manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers even traveled to Limassol to support him. When they left, the franchise stationed assistant coach Darvin Ham and four fitness staff in Cyprus, their corporate-logo T-shirts a regular sight at the Parklane hotel as they watched over every detail of the star’s body.

Antetokounmpo himself is something of a traveling family caravan. Alongside Thanasis and Kostas, already with the team, his mother Veronica is in Limassol with his wife Mariah and their four children: Liam, Maverick, Eva and newborn Adria Capri. Naturally, a small army of caregivers comes with them. His representation and publicity team has also spent several days on site. It’s a parallel universe to that of the Greek federation, though this summer Antetokounmpo has seemed far more integrated with the squad than in years past. After accumulating disappointments, he does not want to “waste” another summer without silverware. He is the great danger for Spain.

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