Giannis Antetokounmpo Would Like To Play In Europe Before He Finishes His Basketball Career

Giannis Antetokounmpo has achieved everything an NBA player could dream of: MVP titles, an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP. Yet, the "Greek Freak" has revealed that before he hangs up his sneakers, he would like to return to his roots and play professional basketball in Europe. Speaking candidly after the Bucks’ NBA Cup victory to Sport24, Giannis shared his thoughts on the differences between NBA and European basketball and why a return to the continent where his career began holds appeal.

"After the Olympic qualifiers, I was with Thanasis, watching highlights of the national team. I told him, 'Man, I enjoy playing in Europe. Do you think I could ever play here in 5-7 years?' Yeah, I really said that. In the NBA, I'm constantly getting hit – 82 games of it. In Europe, I'm effective."

"The games are shorter, there's more strategy, the ball isn't always in my hands, and I play more off-ball, cutting to the basket. Plus, I had amazing playmakers like Thomas Walkup, Nick Calathes, and Toliopoulos finding me without even looking. It's easier on my body."

"I even told Thanasis, 'You know, NBA money is a lot, but maybe if a team in Europe could offer the same, I'd play there.' He was shocked and said, 'Are you serious?' I said, 'Yes. I'd be closer to you guys.' I like the strategy. I grew up with this style. But for now, I'm here. I'm with the Bucks. We won the Cup, and we're going strong."

In Europe, games last 40 minutes compared to the NBA's 48, and the playing style emphasizes teamwork and tactical adjustments over individual dominance. For Giannis, this aligns closely with how he grew up playing the game. 

The physicality of the NBA’s 82-game grind, coupled with its star-driven pace, can take a toll even on elite athletes like him. He described how playing in the NBA often feels like constant physical battles, whereas European basketball offers a chance to excel within a more strategic and deliberate framework.

While Giannis remains committed to the Milwaukee Bucks for now, his thoughts on Europe are deeply rooted in his basketball journey. He started his professional career with Filathlitikos in Greece before being drafted into the NBA in 2013. Europe shaped his understanding of the game, and a return would be a full-circle moment for the Athens-born star.

Despite his admiration for European basketball, Giannis was quick to defend the NBA’s reputation for defense, a criticism often leveled by fans and analysts in Europe.

"That's just not true. Is there defense in Europe? Look, in 2022 at the EuroBasket, I was the top scorer. At the Olympics, I was the top scorer. So, if they play defense there, what does that tell you?"

"In the NBA, there's plenty of defense, especially in big games. I saw an interview with Sasha Vezenkov, and he said, 'Guys, they do play defense in the NBA. The players are just so talented offensively that you can't stop everything." 

"They're athletic, smart, competitive, and have an incredible feel for the game. You have to give up something because you can't stop it all.'"

"In Europe, I'd say defenses are more team-oriented. You stop a team or a player as a group. Here, it's harder because all five players on the court are good. You have to sacrifice something."

As he continues to dominate in the NBA—most recently helping the Bucks win the NBA Cup with a stellar performance—Giannis hasn’t lost sight of his roots. With his combination of skill, strategy, and a love for the game, a return to Europe could be a fitting final chapter to an extraordinary career. For now, though, he’s firmly focused on leading the Bucks to another NBA title.