There aren’t many things that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo did not have any success 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 the MVP award again and was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
A year later, Giannis led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, earning Finals MVP honors in the process. That same season, he was also named NBA All-Star MVP.
The eight-time NBA All-Star was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, meaning he is considered one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.
However, there is one great achievement that has not escaped Giannis’ attention throughout his basketball career: leading his country to the Olympic Games.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo helps Greece beat Luka Doncic and Slovenia
Earlier on Saturday, Giannis and the Greek national team faced Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and the Slovenian national team. The winner of the match was to advance to the final of the pre-Olympic tournament, which only the winner of could earn a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Greece dominated Slovenia 96-68, eliminating Doncic from Olympic contention. Giannis scored 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 four previous appearances at the Olympics.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is being used wisely by the Greek national team
As you can see above, Giannis played just 21 minutes in Greece’s win over Slovenia on Saturday. While he’s certainly one of the best players in the world, he’s also a key part of the NBA. His health this upcoming season will be key to the Bucks’ chances of returning to the NBA Finals.
For this reason, Greece does not field Giannis more than it feels it has to. If the Greek national team makes it to the Olympics, it will be engaging to see how his minutes are managed.
As fans may (painfully) remember, Giannis was not fit during Milwaukee’s first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Playoffs. It’s great that he’s fit and playing at a high level now. However, fans may watch his international games with some concern that he could get hurt again.
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