Like Deni Avdija: The problem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greece national team
According to a report in 'Gazetta', the Greek Freak wants to play for the national team during the upcoming window of games, but the Miami Heat is preventing him from doing so for fear of injury before the start of the new season. The parties have been discussing the issue in recent weeks, but it appears that the matter has already been decided.
The issue of Deni Avdija's arrival to the Israel national team occupied the Israeli sports world last month, especially in light of the pair of painful losses to Germany and Croatia and the distancing from the World Cup. The Israeli player updated that it was the Portland Trail Blazers who did not approve his participation due to fears of a recurring back injury, while the future regarding the window of games at the end of August is still unclear for him.
Someone in a similar situation is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who wants to wear the Greece national team jersey again, but according to a report in the Greek 'Gazetta', it is his new team, the Miami Heat, that is creating difficulties and could prevent him from participating in the upcoming national team window.
Greece faces two critical games in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, against Ukraine on August 28 and against Spain on August 31, following surprising losses to Romania and Portugal that significantly damaged the chances of qualifying. The national team sees Antetokounmpo's presence as a vital component in the attempt to achieve two victories.
According to the report, the Greek star recently clarified that he wishes to join the national team if called up, and even discussed the matter with the national team coach, Vassilis Spanoulis. However, beyond the insurance issue, which is defined as complex and expensive, the Greek federation is also encountering opposition from Miami.
In recent days, intensive contacts have been held between the federation officials and the Heat management, but as of now, the atmosphere is not encouraging. In Miami, they are afraid to take a risk with their new star, especially after they sacrificed nine assets for his acquisition – including four players from the roster, a lottery pick in the draft, and four future draft picks – as part of the trade from Milwaukee.
It is also claimed that the club is considering Antetokounmpo's medical history, as he has suffered in recent years from knee and calf problems, and last season he participated in only 36 games – a career low for him. In addition, he has not played an official game for about five months, which increases the fear of overload or injury.
According to the report, the Miami management believes that both Ukraine and Spain will build their defensive game around stopping Antetokounmpo, which could lead him to an extraordinary effort immediately upon his return to activity.
The issue has not yet been decided, but 'Gazetta' notes that if Antetokounmpo's name does not appear in the squad to be published in the coming days, it will be a sign that Miami has not changed its position. On the other hand, if the Greek federation and the player himself manage to convince the Heat heads to approve his participation, it will be considered a significant achievement for the Greek national team.
