Attention National Team: Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Not Face Portugal!

Attention Portugal! Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo confirmed on Thursday that he will not play for Greece in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers this summer. He plans to focus on recovery after an injury-plagued season with the Milwaukee franchise, with whom he is reportedly at odds, and there's a strong possibility he might leave as he's unwilling to extend his contract beyond the 2026/27 season.

Speaking to ANT1, the 31-year-old Greek forward/center confirmed his absence from the next two qualifying games, despite his desire to play for the national team. "I can't play in the qualifiers this year. I really wanted to play for the national team because I didn't play much this season with the Bucks due to injury. We'll wait until 2027. My legs are fine," Giannis stated.

A two-time MVP (2018/19, 2019/20) and ten-time All-Star, Antetokounmpo also revealed his plans for the offseason, which will be his first without international competitions in a decade. "I have work, I have things with my foundation in memory of my father, and I also need to go to China," he explained. "This will be the freest summer I've had in the last ten years, because every other summer we had national team competitions. I'll be able to relax, travel, you'll probably see me on the islands."

The 2020/21 NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo (6'11"/242 lbs), played in only 36 of 82 regular season games, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, with a 62.4 percent field goal efficiency. He complained that he was often fit to play, but the Bucks, where he has been since 2013/14 after being selected 15th in the 2013 draft, prevented him from doing so, prompting the league, with the support of the players' union (NBPA), to launch an inquiry into the situation. This marks the fourth time the Bucks have missed the playoffs since Giannis joined the team.

By the league's trade deadline in February, at least six teams had shown interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo, either immediately or for the next season. These included the Heat, Magic, Knicks, Warriors, Blazers, and Timberwolves. A deal would become easier if the Greek Freak demonstrates he is injury-free and a solid bet for a team aiming for a title, which is the player's ultimate desire.

Currently, with two games remaining in this first phase of European qualification for the 2027 World Cup, Greece (3 wins - 1 loss) leads Group B after surpassing Portugal following the "Lynxes'" 101-96 defeat to Romania in March. A victory in that match, after their 99-82 triumph against the Romanians four days earlier in Coimbra, would have automatically qualified Portugal for the second phase.

Now, Portugal must win one of their next two crucial encounters to conclude the group stage: the first, on July 2nd against Montenegro; the second, on July 5th, in Greece. In these two games, the national team could potentially benefit from the return of Neemias Queta, as the NBA season will have concluded by then, even if the Celtics reach the Finals. The Portuguese center, who was unable to play in the November and February/March windows due to his commitments in the United States and NBA restrictions on players representing their national teams during that period, has always expressed his willingness to join the national squad. He has already made a significant impact in EuroBasket-2025.

It's worth remembering that in their first clash against the Greeks, Portugal lost 68-76 in Matosinhos.