Lured by USA, Europe’s Top Basketball Player Heads Back Home to Honor Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “GOAT”

The NBA may dominate the basketball world, but Europe’s influence in the sport is truly remarkable. Take Giannis Antetokounmpo for example. The Milwaukee Bucks forward has risen to global fame with his “freakish” basketball talent. However, one trait most of these players have in common is the pride in their home. This pride has now drawn a top European player who the USA lures back home to honor another legend, Antetokounmpo, recently deemed his “Goat”.

Antetokounmpo has served as an inspiration to many through his extraordinary journey in the NBA. However, even the 2-time MVP had someone to look up to. Now, The Greek Freak’s idol has received a massive honor, hailing praise from across the world. While Antetokounmpo honored this European hero in the comfort of his home, another European athlete refused to watch the action from miles away. He has made his way back home to honor the legend.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “GOAT” draws a supporter from miles away

European basketball witnessed a touching tribute to a legendary combo guard, Vassilis Spanoulis recently. After hanging up his boots in 2021, the 41-year-old received the greatest honor a franchise can bestow upon a player, retiring his jersey. The Olympiacos of the Greek Basket League honored Spanoulis in this very fashion. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “GOAT” also drew Sasha Vezenkov of the Sacramento Kings to Piraeus, Greece to watch this historic moment unfold.

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Sasha Vezenkov joined the Kings for the upcoming season, following their historic 2022-23 season. While the preparations for the 2023-24 season have kicked off in full swing, the 28-year-old ditched the side to show love for his former teammate. This humble gesture has certainly warmed many hearts in the Peace and Friendship Stadium.

Vezenkov flew all the way back home to witness Spanoulis’ jersey ascending the rafters. In fact, he also sported the number 7 jersey in honor of the Greek legend. He showered praise upon the 41-year-old on his big day in an interview on the court. Spanoulis received tremendous support from the Kings forward. The two shared the court for the Olympiacos for five years which may have prompted Vezenkov’s kind gesture. However, just days before Vezenkov showed love for Spanoulis in Piraeus, Giannis Antetokounmpo deemed the Olympiacos legend his “Goat”.

Spanoulis gets the highest sign of respect from The Greek Freak

Despite his unprecedented success in the NBA, Antetokounmpo has always remained humble. While many consider the Bucks forward the greatest Greek hooper, Antetokounmpo has a different opinion. When it comes to Greece’s finest, The Greek Freak ranks Vassilis Spanoulis as the GOAT.

Antetokounmpo shared a heartfelt message for Spanoulis upon his jersey retirement just days before Vezenkov flew out to Greece. The 27-year-old posted a picture of the 41-year-old on Instagram, captioning it with this message. “Goat @vassilis7span Congratulations on an incredible career!” he wrote, sharing the highest sign of respect to the former Houston Rockets guard. Be it Giannis Antetokounmpo or Sasha Vezenkov, Greece’s top athletes recognize Vassilis Spanoulis’ contribution to the nation’s basketball community. His jersey going up on Olympiacos’ rafters is just a humble sign of respect bestowed upon the legend.

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