News Summary
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, has expressed his intention to conclude his NBA career in Greece, highlighting his strong connection to his roots. Currently under contract until 2027, he plans to play in the league until his mid to late 30s, with aspirations to return to Greece for his final playing years. Antetokounmpo’s commitment to represent Greece in basketball reflects his desire to honor his heritage while still striving for NBA success.
Milwaukee
In a recent interview, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, revealed his intention to conclude his professional basketball career in Greece after retiring from the NBA. The 30-year-old athlete expressed a strong desire to return to his home country and play for Greek basketball clubs, emphasizing his commitment to Greece and his roots.
Details of Future Plans and Current Contract Status
Antetokounmpo, currently in his 13th NBA season, has made it clear that he plans to continue playing in the league until he is approximately 36 to 38 years old. He is under contract with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season, with his free agency set to commence in the summer of 2027. Despite his ongoing NBA commitments, he has openly discussed his long-term aspirations to wrap up his career on Greek courts.
Comments During a Television Appearance
The basketball star shared his thoughts on Greek television, specifically during an appearance on the late-night talk show, ANT1’s “The 2night Show.” During this program, Antetokounmpo highlighted his desire to return to Greece post-retirement, indicating that he does not wish to settle in the United States after ending his NBA career.
Early Career and Greek Basketball Connections
Reflecting on his professional journey, Antetokounmpo noted that he launched his basketball career with Filathlitikos, a Greek B league team, where he played two seasons before entering the 2013 NBA draft. This early experience laid the foundation of his career, which has been marked by remarkable achievements and international recognition. He also acknowledged his ties to several Greek basketball teams, mentioning Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Aris as potential options for his post-NBA endeavors.
Family and International Achievements
Giannis has a notable family presence in the NBA, with his brother Alex Antetokounmpo recently signing a two-way contract with the Bucks. This move will make history, as it will be the first time three siblings are simultaneously active on the same NBA roster. Besides his NBA career, Giannis has consistently prioritized representing Greece in international competitions, describing winning a EuroBasket bronze medal as his greatest achievement in sports.
Considerations for Future NBA Decisions
While committed to winning another NBA championship with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo indicated that his future decisions may depend on the team’s performance in upcoming seasons. He acknowledged that if the team faces multiple early playoff exits or fails to meet competitive expectations, he may consider exploring options elsewhere or focusing more on his long-term plans to return to Greece for his final playing years.
Summary of Implications
Overall, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments reveal a player who values his Greek heritage and envisions a future that includes ending his professional basketball journey on his home soil. His current contract and performance expectations suggest he remains committed to delivering success in the NBA before transitioning to Greek teams later in his career.
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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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