By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s connection to European basketball has been strong since he arrived in the NBA. The Greek Freak, in the press conference the day before the All-Star Game, gave an interesting answer about being an owner in the future NBA Europe project.
“Being an owner? 100%,” he said to the media. “If there’s an opportunity that comes across my desk to be an owner in sports, anything, I would consider it 100%,” he added.
“In the real NBA, I don’t know if I have that type of money. If I ever come into a position where I’m able to make that decision and it won’t affect my lifestyle, my family’s lifestyle, and it won’t be too risky for my wealth and network, I will consider doing it”, he spoke the day before the All-Star Game.
“I love basketball, and anywhere that I can be involved with it, I would love it“, Giannis said. “I could transition to a coach or I could transition to an owner“, he added.
“I don’t know how it works, because in the Euroleague, players have that sports equity and they also play at the same time”, he answered the question before mentioning Vasilije Micic as an example.
“Micic has the equity. I think he got like one or two percent of the team, and also he is one of the highest paid players in the Euroleague. I don’t know how that’s gonna work, but if there’s any position for players to get equity with the teams, yeah”, the Greek said.
“But what would happen if they get traded? Will they have to sell their stake? What if they don’t want to?”, he asked himself. But he made it clear that he would love to own a team, either in Africa or Europe: “1000%”.