Here is a ranking of notable non-American NBA players based on their contributions to their national teams in achieving medals in international and European championships:
Nikola Jokić (Serbia)
- Olympic silver medalist in 2016 and bronze medalist in 2024 with Serbia
- Led Serbia to a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics with a historic triple-double
- Serbia also won the 2023 FIBA World Cup (Jokić was pivotal)
Dirk Nowitzki (Germany)
- Led Germany to bronze at 2002 FIBA World Championship and silver at EuroBasket 2005
- Helped Germany qualify for 2008 Olympics; flag bearer and team leader
- No Olympic medals but strong continental success and leadership
Pau Gasol (Spain)
- Spain’s decorated star with two Olympic silver medals (2008, 2012) and a bronze (2016)
- Three EuroBasket titles (2009, 2011, 2015) including two MVP awards
- FIBA World Cup champion in 2006
Tony Parker (France)
- Four medals with France: EuroBasket gold in 2013, silver in 2011, bronze in 2005 and 2015
- Key in leading France to podium finishes in EuroBasket tournaments
- Considered one of France’s most successful players in national team history
Luka Dončić (Slovenia)
- Led Slovenia to EuroBasket gold in 2017
- Secured Slovenia’s first Olympic berth in 2020 qualifying tournament
- No Olympic medals yet, but his impact on Slovenia’s rise is significant
The list goes on. But Giannis? Much like with the Bucks, it seems he prefers to stick to the “I am superman but my supporting cast is inadequate”. Just blame the team mates, it seems to work with the fans and the media. After so many years though, does that excuse stack up? For over a decade, Giannis has repeatedly expressed his deep passion for representing Greece, often waxing poetic about family, heritage, and national pride. He talks about how much it means to him, how it’s bigger than any NBA accolade, and how he’s committed to bringing glory to his adopted homeland. Yet, despite all the effort, the sweat, and the soundbites, Greece hasn’t won a single major international tournament—or even meddled—in the Giannis era. No EuroBasket titles, no World Cup podiums, no Olympic hardware. Nothing.
The Rhetoric: All Talk About Pride and Legacy
Giannis has never been shy about his love for Greece. Born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants, he didn’t receive Greek citizenship until 2013, just before his NBA draft. Since then, he’s embraced his Greek identity with fervor, often using interviews and social media to highlight how representing the national team is a profound honor. Take, for example, his comments ahead of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers: “I have never played in the Olympic Games and I really want for us to get there.” Or after carrying the Greek flag at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony: “I know that my father is watching from heaven, and he’s dancing about this.”
He frequently emphasizes the emotional weight of donning the blue and white jersey. In 2022, he said, “I enjoyed being there for Greece, wearing the national team shirt is different because you represent 11 million Greeks and 4 million Greeks abroad.” Even in early 2025, as EuroBasket approached, Giannis reaffirmed his commitment: “If I am healthy, I will be there.” He describes national team play as more intense than the NBA: “It’s not easy to play for your club, but it’s easier [than the national team]. It’s win at all costs. We are representing our country.”
These statements paint a picture of a player deeply invested in his country’s success. Giannis positions himself as the flagbearer—literally and figuratively—for Greek basketball. He speaks of legacy, of inspiring the next generation, and of turning Greece into a powerhouse. But words are one thing; results are another. Let’s look at the track record.
The Timeline: A Decade of Near-Misses and Early Exits
Giannis made his senior debut for Greece in 2014, and since then, he’s participated in several major tournaments. Here’s a chronological breakdown of Greece’s performances with Giannis on the roster, based on official FIBA records and reports:
- 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup: Greece finished 9th overall. They advanced to the Round of 16 but were eliminated by Serbia. Giannis, still a raw 19-year-old, averaged modest numbers in his international debut.
- 2015 EuroBasket: The team reached the quarterfinals, finishing 5th. They lost to eventual champions Spain. This was one of Greece’s better showings in the Giannis era, but still no medal.
- 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Greece hosted the qualifiers but fell short, losing the final to Croatia. No Olympic berth. Giannis played, but the team couldn’t capitalize on home advantage.
- 2017 EuroBasket: Giannis sat this one out due to an alleged injury amid contract disputes with the Bucks. Greece was eliminated in the Round of 16 without him.
- 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup: A disappointing 11th-place finish. Greece was bounced in the second round despite high expectations. Giannis averaged 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds but couldn’t carry the team past strong opponents like the USA and Brazil.
- 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Another qualifier failure. Greece lost to the Czech Republic in the final, missing out on Tokyo Olympics. Giannis was there, but the result was the same: no advancement.
- 2022 EuroBasket: Quarterfinal exit again, this time to Germany in a game where Giannis was ejected for a second technical foul. He put up monster stats—29.3 points, 8.8 rebounds per game—but the team crumbled.
- 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup: Giannis missed the tournament due to knee surgery recovery. Greece finished 15th without him, highlighting the team’s dependence but also its limitations.
- 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Finally, a win! Greece qualified for the Paris Olympics by beating Croatia in the final. Giannis dominated, averaging 22.7 points and leading the charge at home in Piraeus. This was hailed as a breakthrough, but it was just a qualifier—not a major tournament victory.
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Hopes were high, but Greece was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Germany (again). Giannis scored 22 points in the loss, but the team couldn’t overcome a stacked field. They finished 5th-8th overall.
In summary, over 11 years and multiple tournaments, Greece’s best results with Giannis have been quarterfinal appearances and one Olympic qualification. No finals, no medals, no championships. Compare this to Greece’s pre-Giannis era: They won EuroBasket in 1987 and 2005, took silver in 1989, and bronze in 2009. Since Giannis joined, the trophy drought has persisted.
Critics might argue that qualifying for the 2024 Olympics was a “win,” but let’s be real: It’s a stepping stone, not a trophy. Greece hadn’t been to the Olympics since 2008, so Giannis did help end that drought. But in the actual Games? Another quarterfinal flameout. For a player who preaches “win at all costs,” the costs have been high, but the wins absent. Much like his tenure with the Bucks. With that one exception it has been mainly first round playoff exits despite much hype and hopes every time.
Time for Results Over Rhetoric?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a phenomenal athlete and a proud Greek ambassador. His story—from undocumented immigrant to NBA icon—is inspiring. But when it comes to the national team, the gap between his words and the outcomes is glaring. He’s tried for years, pretending he is pouring heart and soul into it, yet Greece remains without a major international accolade in his era. And in fact Giannis hasn’t really put that much effort into it, turning up at the last minute and missing many dates. EuroBasket 2025 looms, this could be another chance for redemption. Will Giannis finally deliver a title, or will it be more of the same—eloquent speeches masking underwhelming results? Only time will tell, but based on history, skepticism is warranted. Greek fans deserve more than just effort; they deserve hardware.
