Returning overseas
In the summer of 2016, Antetokounmpo returned back to Europe to sign a one-year deal with Spanish club Andorra in the country’s top basketball division.
Ahead of finalizing the move, Antetokounmpo talked with Nikos Varlas of Eurohoops about his openness to return to Europe and grow his game even further after wrapping his stay in the Big Apple with the Knicks:
"“For some reason, I believe that an NBA team will appear interested in me much earlier in the summer, informing me that they want to play for them and give me a contract! If that happens, it’s all fine and well. If not, then I will check the offers from Europe, weigh the situation and take the right decision for me.”"
That same summer, Antetokounmpo made his debut with the Greek national team by appearing throughout the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Turin, Italy, though they failed to qualify for that year’s Olympics in Brazil.
Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo’s decision to play overseas in Spain was a very beneficial one as he played a reserve role throughout Andorra’s campaign that season, which saw the club qualify for the ACB Playoffs for the first time in 22 years. Unfortunately, their postseason run was cut short immediately as they came up against the illustrious Real Madrid in the quarter-finals in a heated three-game series.
Although Andorra was willing to keep him beyond that season, Antetokounmpo decided to return home to Greece to sign with Panthinkaikos for a two-year contract in July of 2017 to continue advancing his overseas career to new heights, considering their perennial EuroLeague status.
With the legendary club, Antetokounmpo garnered plenty of individual and team honors, winning the last two Greek League titles, as well as this year’s Greek Cup over rivals, Olympiacos. Antetokounmpo was even named the Greek League Most Spectacular Player following end of the 2017-18 season.
Antetokounmpo navigated through some challenges during his stint with Panathinaikos including a high-profile coaching change during the 2018-19 campaign, which resulted in the arrival of legendary college coach Rick Pitino, and a racist incident with a Greek TV personality that prompted Giannis to comment on the matter in support of Thanasis.
After the end to last season and with his contract expiring, Antetokounmpo was interested in extending his stay in Greece with Panathinaikos. However, both sides were far apart on a deal as reported earlier this month, before the Bucks came in and agreed to the two-year, guaranteed deal.