The Greek basketball federation is not happy, and is in fact looking at the NBA as conspirators setting up its young star Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain unavailable for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.
This accusation prompted the NBA to release a statement saying it has not interfered with the Greek Freak's status and is completely innocent.
“The NBA and the Milwaukee Bucks have followed all appropriate protocol under the NBA-FIBA agreement. Giannis has an injury that has been confirmed through multiple examinations and any suggestion to the contrary is false.”
Saturday Antetokounmpo posted on his Facebook page stating that he is injured and is disappointed that he cannot participate in the tournament.
“This year I have no choice. I'm injured, the pains haven't subsided, and I have to get better.
“It's the biggest disappointment I've ever felt in my career. I want through my heart to wish all my teammates and coaches good luck. The National Team is my favorite team, and in the future I will prove that along with my teammates we can take her up and make all the Greeks happy.”
Antetokounmpo failed a physical administered in China where he is serving as an ambassador for the NBA. He did not participate in any tournament games there nor did he participate in any EuroBasket warm-up games.
Whether or not the young rising star is injured isn't completely clear, but there is interest for the NBA to protect him due to his four-year, $100-million extension beginning this season.
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