Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Going Viral for Slapping Teammate at EuroBasket

Originally posted on Milwaukee Bucks on SI
By Jason Fray | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 11:30 AM ET

Leading by example as the superstar of any team can involve different tactics.

Sometimes, being verbal is the way to get a point across. There are more demonstrative ways in which a leader will approach his teammates. A gentler touch also could be something explored if said teammates are more on the sensitive side.

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Leading by example is something many opt for. If one's not overly comfortable in being a vocal leader, doing the little things and approaching a task with professionalism is a way to get one's points across.

In more extreme cases, such as with Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greek national team, a loud slap to the back of the head may suffice.

Why did Giannis Antetokounmpo slap Larentzakis like that

giannispan_/TikTok pic.twitter.com/kuwtbvEMvd
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 16, 2025

As Greece prepares to take part in this year's EuroBasket tournament, Antetokounmpo got a little handsy with teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis. The 6-foot-5 wing currently plays for Greek giant Olympiakos. During a huddle, Antetokounmpo wound up and smacked Larentzakis in the back of the head before issuing some sort of message to his team.

Antetokounmpo had not been practicing with the team — though a recent report indicates that he will join Team Greece ahead of the team's first contest Aug. 28 versus Italy.

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The story behind the head slap might not ever come to light. It could be nothing, perhaps a lighthearted moment between teammates. Given the fact Antetokounmpo and Larentzakis are nearly the same age, there's a reality in which the two grew up playing with one another and thus have a longstanding relationship.

Antetokounmpo's body language didn't exactly give off the vibe that he was joking given his facial expression. At the same time, his teammate did not react in any visceral way which could indicate no hard feelings on his part.

Lari and Giannis have been giving each other slaps since way back#greece #hellas #paobc #olympiacosbc #eurobasket pic.twitter.com/jyc5B41mJE
— Basketballmaniacs_ (@bballmaniacs_) August 17, 2025

Team Greece faces somewhat of an uphill battle with EuroBasket. Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, is the heavy favorite to win the tournament, but Greece with an available Antetokounmpo is in the running.

Having said that, with a healthy Antetokounmpo in tow, Greece has at the bare minimum a puncher's chance at winning any game it competes in.