By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Besides the numerous active and former players enjoying in person the jersey retirement ceremony organized by Olympiacos to celebrate the career of Vassilis Spanoulis, more NBA players and legends of the sport remotely sent their own messages. The respective videos were displayed on the Peace and Friendship Stadium jumbotron.
Probably the most prominent example of players growing up idolizing Spanoulis, Luka Doncic reiterated his view congratulating the three-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion. “You have been an inspiration to a lot of people, especially to me,” mentioned the Dallas Mavericks leader.
The 2023 NBA champion Nikola Jokic supported Spanoulis via video as well. “You are a legend of this sport and a role model for young people and young players,” he pointed out.
Boban Marjanovic of the Houston Rockets alongside legends Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Greek GOAT Nikos Galis delivered their own messages complementing the event.
The “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t send a message but reacted on his social media by saluting Spanoulis.
“Congratulations on an amazing career”, Giannis posted.
Giannis salutes Spanoulis #TheNightOfTheLegend7 pic.twitter.com/brMGKXcURx
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 17, 2023
More video messages were sent and displayed by EuroLeague stars such as Vasilije Micic, Shane Larkin, Nando De Colo, Faccundo Campazzo and former Spanoulis teammate Daniel Hackett.
The Reds retiring no. 7 to honor the contributions of Spanoulis over the years concluded in an emotional atmosphere with the jersey descending in the rafters of SEF.
Photo Credit: EuroLeague