Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greek teammate got his revenge after he was slapped in the back of the head by the NBA superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo faced criticism after he slapped teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis on the back of the head after Greece’s friendly against Montenegro. The Milwaukee Bucks star reached over and hit Larentzakis during a post-game huddle.
Antetokounmpo played his first game for Greece this summer against Latvia in the lead-up to EuroBasket 2025, and Larentzakis took the opportunity to get revenge.
Giannoulis Larentzakis gets revenge against Giannis Antetokounmpo
Following Greece’s 104 – 86 win over Kristaps Porzingis’ Latvia, Larentzakis ran over to Antetokounmpo and gave him a playful slap on the back of his head. Some of his teammates followed suit, dispelling rumours of any bad blood between the NBA MVP and his team.
Antetokounmpo scored 25 points in 15 minutes in his return to basketball action, hitting the court for the first time since the Bucks were knocked out of the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Larentzakis explained what Antetokounmpo brings to the Greek national team after the game, saying, “We work every day on the style of play with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who creates all the open shots because every defense adapts to him.
“The point is to be ready both mentally and physically. Giannis gives us a huge boost, he has a mismatch in every possession. It’s incredible to have him as a teammate, his talent is undeniable. He gives us confidence, and it’s very important that he’s healthy and with us.”
All is well in the Greek camp ahead of EuroBasket. That might not be the case in Milwaukee when Antetokounmpo returns to America, however.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could leave Milwaukee Bucks after EuroBasket
Antetokounmpo’s Bucks future has been speculated on all summer. The 2021 NBA champion wants to win another title, and weighs whether that’s possible where he is currently situated.
The Bucks signed Myles Turner and waived Damian Lillard in an attempt to put pieces around Antetokounmpo. But Milwaukee doesn’t look close to championship contention.
Antetokounmpo loves Milwaukee and would prefer to stay, according to reports, but he hasn’t yet made a decision on his future. That’s caused teams around the league to position themselves in anticipation of his departure.
We should have clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future when he returns from EuroBasket, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. He wrote, “His future remains a major unknown this offseason and entering the 2025-26 NBA season.
“All other 29 teams around the league continue to watch this situation brewing in Milwaukee, as further clarity on Giannis’ situation will present itself once he returns from Greece and the EuroBasket tournament overseas.”
The Bucks have made their moves in order to appease Antetokounmpo. All they can do now, is wait.