Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: hypocrisy

  • The FIBA Euro championships are a joke

    The FIBA Euro championships are a joke

    Since 1999, FIBA limits each team to only one naturalized player on the roster, which forces teams to rely mostly on native or dual-national players (passport obtained before age 16). This rule aims to maintain competitive balance and national representation authenticity. Many strong teams carefully select their one naturalized player to fill key roster gaps especially at EuroBasket tournaments from 2017 to 2025.

    Teams incorporating naturalized players often use them to address specific positional needs (e.g., point guard or centre) not adequately covered by native players, which can enhance overall team performance and competitiveness. For example, the European champion Slovenia in 2017 used the American naturalized player Anthony Randolph effectively alongside Luka Dončić. FIBA rules allow a team to have one naturalized player on their roster who obtained a passport after the age of 16. This creates a loophole for federations to recruit talented players, often from the United States, who have no genuine connection to the country they are representing. It is nationality for convenience. Tyler Dorsey, for instance, a player with Greek heritage who played for Greece in EuroBasket 2025, is still considered “naturalised” by FIBA because he received his passport after the age of 16. Other players, like Jordan Loyd for Poland and Darius Thompson for Italy, acquired citizenship to play in the tournament, despite having no prior ties. This practice is completely different from a player who has a true dual citizenship from birth or has lived in the country for a significant period. While these players may be skilled and contribute to their teams, their presence cheapens the meaning of “national team.” It transforms the competition from a battle of nations into a recruitment war, where the team with the most money and connections can simply buy a star to fill a hole in their roster.

    NBA player presence on teams correlates with stronger competitive performance. EuroBasket 2025, for instance, features numerous NBA players across several teams such as Serbia (Nikola Jokić), Germany (Franz Wagner, Dennis Schröder), and France (Bilal Coulibaly). These teams with multiple NBA players generally are regarded as favourites due to elite talent and experience. Teams relying solely on native players without naturalised players sometimes emphasise homegrown talent and strong national basketball traditions (e.g., Latvia in EuroBasket 2025) but may lack the positional flexibility or depth that naturalised players provide. Dual citizenship and naturalisation policies add complexity but offer teams strategic roster-building tools. The trend across the past 5 European Championships (approx. EuroBasket 2009, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022/2025) shows increasing integration of NBA talent and naturalized players, with most medal-contending teams having at least one NBA player and a naturalized player selected with tactical purpose. This turns the concept of a true “national team” into a marketing opportunity for the NBA, with fans tuning in not to see national pride, but to watch their favourite players in a different jersey. It dilutes the unique style of European basketball, which traditionally emphasises team-oriented play and structured offences, a point even acknowledged by Giannis’s former coach, Darvin Ham. The focus shifts from the collective to the individual, eroding the very essence of national team competition. Teams with only native players may rely on strong local development but tend to have less roster flexibility and fewer positional specialists brought in via naturalization or NBA experience.

    Given the past 5 EuroBasket finals data winners had 1 to 4 NBA players.

    • 2022 Spain: Juancho Hernangomez (Toronto Raptors), Willy Hernangomez (New Orleans Pelicans)
    • 2017 Slovenia: Goran Dragic (Miami Heat), Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks, injured during final but key player)
    • 2015 Spain: Pau Gasol (Chicago Bulls)
    • 2013 France: Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), Nicolas Batum (Portland Trail Blazers)
    • 2011 Spain: Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves)
    • 2009 Spain: Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernandez (Portland Trail Blazers

    Even outside the NBA, it is the NBA dictating who wins. More NBA players means you win basically. Is it a direct correlation? Well no, because some NBA players don’t impact games or don’t risk injury. So what are we even looking at? Some players playing to become famous while the best players are more concerned with protecting their health or getting knocked out early to return to their real work in the NBA.

    And then of course is the second problem. Naturalised players, ie completely irrelevant to the country they are playing for usually, those that didn’t even make it in the NBA but are so good compared to local talent that they get on the teams. For example:

    • Turkey: Shane Larkin (naturalized)
    • Greece: Tyler Dorsey (naturalized)
    • Montenegro: Kyle Allman Jr. (naturalized)
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina: John Roberson (naturalized)
    • Cyprus: Darral Willis (naturalized)
    • Georgia: Kamar Baldwin (naturalized)
    • Portugal: Travante Williams (naturalized)
    • Italy: Darius Thompson

    It is a bit like the old days when the NBA only allowed one negro per team “when the match was tough” as an unofficial rule between the team owners. European teams are playing a silly game with silly rules in fact by having various players naturalised but then only allowing one to play. This is covert racism which leads to a possibly dangerous type of nationalism. The winners are either teams with NBA stars (ie they have learned how to play and have been trained in the NBA) or naturalised players who are the NBA hand me downs. What sort of “national” team is it when the coach has to give instructions in English so that everyone understands?

    And that’s not even the start of the problems with this tournament. Injuries come from the players playing too many games. Is it worth it? Why are there so many super weak teams in the tournament? Players get into the temptation to smash records playing against nations that are very weak. It’s not fun to watch either.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: A Hypocrisy Debate

    Giannis Antetokounmpo: A Hypocrisy Debate

    1. Work Ethic vs. Practice Habits

    Giannis is renowned for his relentless work ethic, often sharing stories of his grind from a young immigrant in Greece to NBA stardom. He’s frequently praised for his dedication to improvement, whether it’s refining his jump shot or bulking up physically. However, critics have pointed to moments that seem to contradict this narrative.

    In 2023, reports surfaced from Bucks practices where Giannis was described as occasionally disengaged or skipping drills, particularly during the regular season. Former teammate Jae Crowder, in a subtle comment during a podcast, alluded to Giannis “picking his spots” in practice, implying he didn’t always match the intensity he publicly champions. While this could be strategic load management for a grueling 82-game season, it contrasts with Giannis’s public mantra of “working harder than everyone else.” Critics argue that if he’s vocal about outworking opponents, any perceived lack of effort, even in practice, undermines that claim.

    2. Humility vs. Public Boasts

    Giannis often portrays himself as grounded, crediting his family and upbringing for keeping him humble. He’s avoided the flashy persona of some NBA stars, endearing him to fans. Yet, there have been moments where his comments veer into self-aggrandisement, which some see as clashing with his humble image.

    A notable instance came during the 2021 NBA Finals post-game press conference after the Bucks’ championship win. Giannis remarked, “I didn’t take the easy way. I didn’t join a superteam,” a clear jab at players like Kevin Durant or LeBron James, who formed high-profile team-ups. While factually true—Giannis stayed with Milwaukee and won without a star-studded roster—the comment struck some as hypocritical. Critics noted that the Bucks had strategically built a strong supporting cast, including Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, both All-Stars at points in their careers. Dismissing other players’ paths while ignoring his own team’s advantages seemed selective, especially for someone who claims to focus solely on his own journey. And of course he then went on to ask for Lillard, making it even more hypocritical!

    3. Sportsmanship vs. On-Court Antics

    Giannis is often lauded for his sportsmanship, but certain on-court behaviours have drawn scrutiny. His prolonged free-throw routines, which sometimes exceed the NBA’s 10-second rule, have frustrated opponents and fans alike. In a 2022 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid publicly called out Giannis for taking upwards of 12 seconds per free throw, accusing him of bending the rules. Giannis responded by saying he’s “just playing within the game,” but critics argue that if he prides himself on integrity, exploiting a rule loophole undermines that.

    Additionally, Giannis’s occasional trash-talking, while not excessive, has been seen as inconsistent with his “let my game speak” persona. In a 2024 playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, he engaged in heated exchanges with Tyrese Haliburton, later downplaying it as “just competition.” Yet, when younger players like Haliburton talk trash, Giannis has been quick to call them out, suggesting a double standard. Most importantly of course Haliburton beat him where it counts – in the playoffs.

    4. Loyalty vs. Trade Rumours

    Giannis has repeatedly expressed loyalty to Milwaukee, stating he’d rather stay and build a legacy than chase rings elsewhere. This stance has won over Bucks fans, especially in a small market. However, in 2023 and 2024, Giannis made cryptic comments about his future, saying he’d consider leaving if the Bucks couldn’t compete for titles. While understandable from a competitive standpoint, these remarks clashed with his earlier vows of unwavering commitment.

    Some argue this is less hypocrisy and more pragmatism—an athlete hedging his bets. But for fans who bought into his “loyalty forever” narrative, the shift felt like a betrayal of his own words. Critics point out that Giannis wants the image of a loyal superstar but also the leverage to push management, a balancing act that can feel disingenuous.

    The Bigger Picture: Athletes and Public Expectations

    The hypocrisy debate around Giannis highlights a broader issue: the unrealistic expectations placed on athletes. Fans and media often demand consistency in behaviour, words, and values, ignoring the complexities of being a public figure. Giannis, like any person, can’t perfectly embody every trait he’s praised for—hard work, humility, sportsmanship, loyalty—at all times. What he does seem to lack is the intelligence in how he tries to cover up when he makes mistakes. In a different post for example I explained how his treatment of his children on social media makes no sense at all.

    Is Giannis Antetokounmpo a hypocrite? The answer depends on how strictly you define the term. There are undeniable instances where his actions or words don’t fully align with his public persona, from practice habits to loyalty comments.