September 1, 2025 | 3:12pm
NEW JERSEY, United States — Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee gained readability Sunday (Monday in Manila) when his brother, Thanasis, signed a brand new one-year take care of the Bucks. Hours later, the 2 shared the court docket in Germany as Greece cruised to a 94-53 win over Georgia to advance to the Spherical of 16 on the 2025 EuroBasket.
Antetokounmpo dominated in simply 22 minutes, scoring 27 factors to go along with eight rebounds, 4 assists and two steals. Thanasis chipped in two factors, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 13 minutes. The victory improved Greece to 3-0, the one unbeaten workforce remaining in Group C.
The day carried significance far past Greece’s excellent file. Thanasis’ return to Milwaukee all however ensures Giannis will begin subsequent season with the Bucks, in keeping with ESPN. The older Antetokounmpo agreed to a one-year, $2.9-million veteran minimal contract, marking his comeback after lacking your entire 2024-25 NBA season whereas recovering from an Achilles tear.
Giannis’ future had been clouded by hypothesis since Milwaukee’s third consecutive first-round playoff exit. In Could, studies surfaced that he was weighing whether or not to stay with the one NBA franchise he has ever identified.
With Thanasis again within the fold, nonetheless, the Bucks seem to have taken a significant step towards preserving their celebrity glad.
The Bucks additionally reshaped their roster over the summer time. Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez are gone, whereas Myles Turner, Cole Anthony and Gary Harris arrived to bolster the rotation. Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. all return, giving the workforce a mixture of continuity and recent expertise round its centerpiece. Whereas this group doesn’t scream of a contender, the Jap Convention has by no means been extensive open after the Achilles accidents to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers All-Star level guard Tyrese Haliburton.
For now, Giannis’ focus is firmly on the worldwide stage. The 2-time NBA Most Worthwhile Participant is chasing EuroBasket glory with Greece, a workforce that has not reached the rostrum since 2009. With Antetokounmpo in prime type, the Greeks appear to be reputable contenders.
Oddsmakers at present record Greece with the fourth-best probability to win the event at +1100, in keeping with DraftKings, a prime sports activities betting site. Serbia is the favourite at +150, adopted by Germany (+300) and France (+950). Israel’s gorgeous 82-69 victory over France on Sunday added additional intrigue to the bracket, handing the French their first loss and reshaping the trail forward.
Giannis has already left his mark on this yr’s occasion. In three video games, he’s averaging 29 factors and appears rejuvenated. However he craves championships — whether or not on the worldwide stage or within the NBA.
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Alder Almo is a former senior sportswriter for Philstar.com and NBA.com Philippines. He’s now based mostly in Jersey Metropolis, New Jersey, and writes for US-based publication Heavy.com.
