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“Giannis’ chances of playing in the Olympics next year really took a blow”- Analyst sounds off on Antetokounmpo’s decision to skip the World Cup

Skipping the World has bigger implications for the Greek Freak.

Matthew Dugandzic

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Bundled together in one bracket with powerhouse Team USA, Greece’s chances of winning the upcoming 2023 FIBA World in the Philippines are slim, according to a veteran sportswriter. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo deciding to skip the tournament, Greece’s title hopes further diminished.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN expressed that Giannis’ unavailability for the World Cup did not only affect Greece’s title campaign but also the Greek Freak’s bid to earn his first-ever trip to the Olympics.

Ultimate goal

Earning an outright berth for the 2024 Paris Olympics via the World Cup is actually Greece’s primary goal, Windhorst said.

“They’re in the US’ pool. Their chances of winning this event (World Cup) weren’t that great, but it’s not just about winning the event. There are seven teams that come out of the World Cup that qualify for the Olympics, and that’s really the brass ring for a team like Greece,” Windhorst said in one of the episodes of NBA Today.

Windhorst added that now that Giannis is out, making it to the Olympics has become more difficult for the Greek national team.

“He has not played in the Olympics for Greece before, and getting one of those spots out of a qualification next summer is going to be very difficult,” Windhorst added.

Giannis has announced that he is not playing in the World Cup as he continues to recover from a procedure on his left knee to clean up loose cartilage. Windhorst believed that Giannis tried his best to suit up for Greece, but his health simply would not permit it.

Understandably disappointed

It appeared that Greece still hoped that the two-time MVP would be able to suit up by including him in the initial World Cup roster, Windhorst pointed out. Giannis ultimately decided to skip the WC was something that was expected.

“It’s not a stunning development because he missed training camp and had not played in their first exhibition games,” Windhorst said.

Giannis had made it known that he is “extremely disappointed” that he won’t be able to play in the World Cup.

“Giannis’ chances of playing in the Olympics next year really took a blow with this decision which is why I think he’s so upset about it,” Windhorst concluded.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.