Greece will have to navigate a critical stretch of its FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign without Giannis Antetokounmpo. On Tuesday morning, the call-ups for the August international window were announced, but the superstar’s name was missing. The decision comes directly from the Miami Heat.

“The Greek Freak has been playing basketball since March 15th, and therefore his new team, the Miami Heat, has not given its consent for him to participate in the upcoming games, fearing a possible injury,” stated Sport24.gr‘s Vasiliki Karamouza.

The cautious approach around the two-time MVP stems from his final days with the Milwaukee Bucks. A hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise meant the Greek Freak was sidelined for the final 11 games of the season.

So, the franchise wants him available for its preparations ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season rather than allowing him to add international games to an already extended basketball calendar.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had previously made it clear that playing for Greece remained important to him, but explained return to international competition would be delayed.

“I cannot play in the World Cup qualifying windows,” Antetokounmpo said in a walk-and-talk interview with Greek broadcaster ANT1. “I really wanted to play with the national team, because I did not play much with the Bucks this season due to injury. Now that I’m healthy, I wanted to play, but we will wait until 2027.”

Antetokounmpo also made it clear that his physical condition was not the issue. “My legs are fine,” he added.

So it’s not only Heat controlling and managing Giannis’ workload. The two-time MVP had already made up his mind in April about his appearance for the national team.

For Greece, the immediate challenge is qualification. Antetokounmpo’s presence would have given Spanoulis another elite option against two of the group’s strongest teams, but they must now find a way to achieve results without him.

Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the battle becomes tough for Greece

Hellas enters the second phase of qualifying after finishing the opening round with a 3-3 record. The result leaves Spanoulis’ team fifth in Group I with nine points. Spain leads the group at 11 points after going 5-1. Ukraine and Montenegro sit behind Spain at 10 points apiece, while Portugal, Greece, and Georgia are all on nine.

That makes the upcoming games especially important. The national team will also use two exhibition games to prepare for the qualifying window. Greece is scheduled to face Poland on Aug. 22 and Cyprus on Aug. 24 at the indoor stadium of the Olympic Facilities in Maroussi.

Then in the second phase, Greece will play six games against Spain, Ukraine, and Georgia, facing each opponent at home and on the road. Greece’s next competitive game comes Aug. 28 against Ukraine in Riga, Latvia.

Three days later, on Aug. 31, Greece will host Spain at the Telekom Center in Athens.

Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Spanoulis will have to adjust his plans and distribute the offensive responsibility among the players available to him.

The Greek coach will begin preparation with a roster that does not include the player who has been the focal point of the national program for much of the past decade.