There is no question that Giannis Antetokounmpo has his eyes set on spearheading Greece toward next year's Olympics participation in Parisas a proud national and an undisputed sports gem of his nation.
But for now, the superstar must put himself ahead for the prestigious event as his commitment remains pinned in the 2023-24 NBA campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
"Right now, I am just looking forward to seeing my kids. After that, play Washington [Wizards]. Then after that, have a good season.
Hopefully, we will be the last team standing. And after that, try to qualify for Paris," he said after the Bucks fell in a hard-fought fight against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. "If all those things happen in order and we make it to Paris, I will be excited to be there."
Greece in the World Cup
Greece participated in this year's FIBA Basketball World Cup without the strong backing of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who declared his ineligibility after taking an offseason knee cleanup.
With the two-time MVP out of their picture, the Greeks, led by Ioannis Papapetrou, still fought with might at the tournament's Group Phase. Albeit reaching the second round with a reputable record, they crashed out of contention and failed to reach the quarterfinal round in Manila.
This failure to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup meant Greece to kiss its hopes of a 2024 Olympic automatic bid goodbye. But as one of the participating teams in the FIBA Championships, they still have a chance to punch a ticket to Paris through the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Olympic hopes still alive
Joining Spain, Latvia, and Puerto Rico, Greece is widely expected to host the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will be held from July 2 to 7 – weeks before the gates of the Paris Olympics officially open on July 27.
24 nations – including Greece–are competing for the four available slots in Olympic Basketball. The triumphants will join the eight countries that have already qualified for the tilt upon being the top finishers in their respective region in the last World Cup.
Throughout his international basketball career, Giannis hasn't appeared yet in the Olympics. Meanwhile, Greece's last Summer Olympic hoops play was in 2008, in Beijing.
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