The Greek Freak is moving cautiously and is still focused on his current 2023–24 season with the Bucks.

It’s clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo, a proud native and unquestionably one of his country’s greatest athletes, intends to lead Greece to the Olympics in Paris the following year.

However, the superstar isn’t putting too much emphasis on the renowned tournament just yet because he is still committed to playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023–24 NBA season.

“At the moment, all I can think about is getting to see my kids. Play Washington [Wizards] after that. After that, enjoy your season as it unfolds. We’re hoping to be the final squad standing. And after that, try to get to Paris,” he stated following the Bucks’ Wednesday loss to the Boston Celtics in a fiercely contested game. “If all those things happen in order and we make it to Paris, I will be excited to be there.”

Greece during the World Cup

Greece took part in the FIBA Basketball World Cup this year without Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strong support, as the player announced his ineligibility following an offseason knee surgery.

The Greeks, under the leadership of Ioannis Papapetrou, competed fiercely during the tournament’s Group Phase even without the two-time MVP. Despite having a respectable record going into the second round, they fell out of contention and were unable to advance to the Manila quarterfinals.

Greece is one of 24 countries vying for one of the four Olympic basketball places. As the top finishers in their respective regions of the most recent World Cup, the winners will join the eight nations who have already qualified for the match.

Throughout his career as an international basketball player, Giannis has yet to make an Olympic appearance. Greece’s final Summer Olympic basketball game took place in Beijing in 2008.