Giannis Antetokounmpo is already contemplating how he wants his basketball journey to conclude. Speaking on ANT1’s The 2Night Show, the Bucks superstar revealed that he hopes to finish his career in Greece, adding that he doesn’t plan to live in the United States once his NBA days are over.
“I’m 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I’m 36-38,” Giannis said. “I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not? I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. I could end my career here, whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris. I’m talking about all the teams now.”
It’s no secret that basketball talent is rising across the world and the league has become more international than ever before. While American players used to dominate the sport, the game has spread to a degree that Europeans make up a growing portion of the NBA player base. In fact, most of today’s superstars are from Europe, including Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama.
That’s not counting Giannis himself, who was born and raised in Athens, Greece. Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family, including his three brothers, were initially living in poverty before discovering their talents and eventually making the NBA. Today, Giannis has been living and working stateside since 2013 and his loyalty has become an important factor in the current NBA landscape.
For years he’s been loyal to the Bucks and has been one of the few modern superstars to thrive in a small-market franchise. Over 12 years, he’s averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game on 60.1% shooting. Still, after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year, Giannis’ loyalty was put to the test and many believed he would outright leave the Bucks via trade demand.
For the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo seriously considered a change of scenery, and the New York Knicks were reportedly in play. Not only would it allow him to play for an iconic franchise, but it would also allow him easier access to Greece using the many major airports located in the area.
Ultimately, this story ends one way for Giannis: in Europe. With his family already settled back home and an entire country ready to shower him in support, Giannis knows it’s only a matter of time before he takes his talents back where it all began. As a two-time MVP and NBA champion, his legacy is already set as one of the greats and now it’s just a matter of how much longer he wants to keep going.
With another three years and $174 million on his contract, Giannis is going to be around for a while longer but don’t expect him to follow in the footsteps of LeBron James. Odds are, when he begins to slow down, he’ll make the transition to Europe where he can close his professional career on his terms.
For Giannis Antetokounmpo, the end of his journey will be about peace, not pressure. After years of giving everything to the NBA, he wants to return to his roots and play for the fans who first believed in him. Whether it’s with Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or another Greek club, Giannis plans to finish where it all began at home, surrounded by the people and culture that shaped his rise to greatness.
