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Giannis Antetokounmpo attended the latest NBA All-Star Game and shared insights with both US and international media regarding improvements to the All-Star Game and the EuroLeague.
However, he had even more captivating remarks to convey in his mother tongue during a discussion with Greek NBA rights holder COSMOTE TV, along with hosts Vassilis Skountis and Rigas Dardalis.
In an extensive interview that spanned a variety of topics, Giannis humorously addressed the notion of being traded to Detroit, as suggested by Greek reporters in comparison to the trade involving Luka Dončić.
“At least Luka made the jump from Dallas to LA; why am I being sent to Detroit?” Giannis chuckled, following up with a dramatic “noooooo” for added effect. On a more serious note, he stated, “The NBA operates as a business. If I were traded, I would inform my family and continue to do my job.”
When asked whether he would reach out to his general manager regarding a trade request, Giannis reiterated his desire to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks: “I don’t envision myself ever texting (to ask for a trade). That’s not who I am; they’d have to push me out.”
Giannis also echoed the sentiments expressed by his coach Vassilis Spanoulis earlier in the day about competing in Eurobasket 2025. “If I’m in good health, I will be there,” he affirmed. When inquired about aspirations for winning a medal with Greece, he elaborated on his bond with the team, his goals, and Coach Spanoulis: “I thought we had a good chance at winning a medal two years ago at Eurobasket, but we faced Germany twice, a formidable opponent. We’ll give our best effort; Coach Spanoulis is going to assemble a strong squad, and we are committed to putting in the work. He has pushed me to step beyond my comfort zone, keeping me engaged and influencing my approach to the game. My aim is to improve each year, which is how we triumphed over Croatia with my mid-range shot.”
Giannis also offered his perspective on the NBA Europe initiative: “While EuroLeague teams have agreements with their own competition, it would be beneficial for the NBA to broaden its reach and allow other teams to join, potentially developing new arenas and embracing the NBA culture.”
Additionally, he reflected on the honor of being the flagbearer for the Greek national team at the Paris Olympics and recounted the moment he spotted his mother while on a boat: “What are the odds of a kid born in Sepolia to Nigerian immigrants, who were undocumented, being the first to open the ceremony? Perhaps 0.000001%? I swear I didn’t realize my mother was there; somehow she made her way to the riverbank. I heard her voice from a distance, and then I saw her. I was like, ‘Hi, Mom!’”
