There are not many things that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has not accomplished as a basketball player. After the 2016-17 season, he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player after averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Two years later, at the end of the 2018-19 season, he won his first NBA MVP Award after averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. The following year, he won MVP again and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo


Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball between Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
A year after that, Giannis led the Bucks to their first NBA Championship in 50 years, winning Finals MVP in the process. That same season, he had also been named MVP of the NBA All-Star Game.

The eight-time All-Star was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, meaning that he is considered one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

There is one major accomplishment, though, that has alluded Giannis for his entire basketball career: leading his country to a spot in the Olympic Games.

Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Helps Greece Defeat Luka Doncic and Slovenia

Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis AntetokounmpoNov 27, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) puts up a shot against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier on Saturday, Giannis and the Greek National Team faced off against Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and the Slovenian National Team. The winner of the game was to go on to the finals of the pre-Olympic Tournament. Only the winner of this tournament would be able to earn a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Greece dominated Slovenia 96-68, eliminating Doncic from Olympic contention. Giannis had 13 points in just 21 minutes.

Greece is now just one win away from qualifying for the Olympics for the first time since 2008. The Greek National Team has never finished better than fifth in any of its previous four appearances in the Olympics.

Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Being Used Wisely by the Greek National Team

Mar 13, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings power forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
As seen above, Giannis played only 21 minutes in Greece’s victory over Slovenia on Saturday. While he is easily one of the best players in the world, he also is an important figure in the NBA. His health for the upcoming season will be crucial to the Bucks’ chances of getting back to the NBA Finals.

For this reason, Greece is not playing Giannis any more than they feel they have to. If the Greek National Team does make it to the Olympics, it will be interesting to see how his minutes are managed.

As fans may (painfully) recall, Giannis was not healthy for Milwaukee’s opening round loss to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Playoffs. It is great that he is healthy and is playing at a high level right now. However, fans may be watching his international games with a certain bit of concern that he might get hurt again.

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