Latest news with #EuroBasketCup

Time of India

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo going to miss EuroBasket 2025 Prep Games? Exploring the reasons behind the NBA legend's absence

Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to miss the EuroBasket 2025 Prep Games (Image via Instagram / @giannis_an34) Greece's EuroBasket Cup matches in Cyprus will not feature Giannis Antetokounmpo . According to Greek publication SDNA, the NBA legend's absence from Greece's preparatory matches is due to unpaid insurance. It further stated that his presence is only a single payment away. In the event of an accident or other unfortunate circumstance, the payment would guarantee insurance coverage. That money still hasn't been paid. It may be due to trade rumors about the Greek player's future rather than a lack of funding. Giannis Antetokounmpo is missing Greece's EuroBasket 2025 warm-up matches due to unpaid insurance and training plans It has been formally stated by the Greek Basketball Federation that Giannis Antetokounmpo would not be attending this weekend's EuroBasket Cup in Limassol, Cyprus. The two-time NBA MVP will no longer be participating in the prep event, which is a final warm-up before EuroBasket 2025, and will still include games against Israel and Serbia. Basketball fans will be deprived of a highly anticipated matchup between the Greek player and fellow NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who will captain Serbia, as a result of the absence. Widely considered to be future Hall of Famers , the two superstars haven't played against one another on the national team since 2019. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo Now, the reason behind this absence seems to have been clarified. He is actually in limbo. The incoming team will have to pay the insurance if the Milwaukee Bucks trade him. The Greek legend will stay off the pitch until that matter is handled, which SDNA thinks should happen in the next ten days. According to SDNA: 'The national team coach wasn't even sure if Giannis would play on August 14 in Thessaloniki in the next friendly against Montenegro.' However, he will still play other matches. Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to coach Vassilis Spanoulis, is "following a program we agreed on to be in the best shape for EuroBasket." Earlier this week, the head coach discussed his condition and clarified that the Milwaukee Bucks star is adhering to a customized training regimen. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek legend (Image via Instagram / @giannis_an34) On Tuesday, he further stated: 'He is following his personal training program… I don't believe his absence here will have any influence on his participation in EuroBasket 2025.' Later in August, Giannis Antetokounmpo is anticipated to return to the team in time for Greece's first group matches, which will also take place in Limassol. Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, and the defending winners, Spain, will all be in Group A with Greece. Also read: Giannis Antetokounmpo trains with Greek national team as he prepares for EuroBasket 2025 tournament run Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!