“Grew up collectively”: Greek reporter defends Giannis Antetokounmpo for slapping teammate with video proof of relationship
Greek reporter Harris Stavrou got here to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s protection after a video of the Milwaukee Bucks famous person slapping his teammate went viral on social media. With EuroBasket 2025 lower than 10 days away, Antetokounmpo is drawing consideration for causes past basketball.
The Bucks ahead joined the Greek nationwide group earlier this month and has been touring with them for a collection of exhibition video games forward of the event. After Greece’s matchup in opposition to Montenegro on Thursday, Antetokounmpo joined the group huddle, the place the controversial second occurred.
A video clip confirmed him slapping teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis on the again of the pinnacle, sparking hypothesis about whether or not it was an indication of frustration. Nevertheless, Harris Stavrou shortly clarified the state of affairs.
Why did Giannis Antetokounmpo slap Larentzakis like that 😭
🎥 giannispan_/TikTok pic.twitter.com/kuwtbvEMvd
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 16, 2025
The reporter defined on X that Antetokounmpo and Larentzakis have identified one another for years, enjoying collectively since 2013. He additionally shared footage of Larentzakis slapping Giannis throughout a earlier Greece sport, emphasizing the pleasant nature of their bond.
One other video angle from Thursday’s huddle supported this, exhibiting Larentzakis smiling instantly after the slap. Whereas Giannis appeared to ship a powerful hit, it was seemingly a part of the playful dynamic between the 2 longtime teammates.
Antetokounmpo and Larentzakis grew up collectively. They’re enjoying for Greece since 2013, once they competed within the EuroBasket U20 in Estonia. As you may see, they’re having enjoyable collectively for a really very long time.pic.twitter.com/IR1e9KSmfX
— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) August 17, 2025
2025 playoff struggles proceed for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The viral second comes simply months after the Milwaukee Bucks’ disappointing postseason. They have been eradicated within the first spherical of the 2025 NBA playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, marking the third consecutive 12 months of an early exit for Antetokounmpo and his group.
The Bucks additionally fell within the opening spherical in 2024, once more to Indiana, and in 2023 in opposition to the Miami Warmth. 4 years after main Milwaukee to a championship, Giannis has struggled to duplicate that success regardless of the addition of star guard Damian Lillard.
This summer time, the Bucks made important roster modifications, parting methods with Lillard and including heart Myles Turner. The upcoming 2025-26 season is seen as a pivotal one for Giannis. If Milwaukee fails to advance previous the opening spherical once more, hypothesis about his long-term future with the franchise will solely develop stronger.