Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has received written clearance from his NBA club and will begin full training with the Greek national team this weekend, head coach Vassilis Spanoulis said.
Bucks / Greece
Spanoulis told Eurohoops that Antetokounmpo completed a limited contact session earlier in the week and is scheduled to join regular practices on Saturday. The delay stemmed from the value of Antetokounmpo’s NBA contract, which exceeds the coverage offered by FIBA’s standard insurance policy and required additional approval from Milwaukee.
Because of the paperwork holdup, the two-time MVP missed Greece’s first four exhibition contests, during which the team went 2-2 with victories over Belgium and Montenegro and losses to Israel and Serbia. Greece now prepares for the Acropolis Tournament in Athens, Aug. 20-24, facing Latvia, Italy and France. EuroBasket group play opens for Greece on Aug. 28, when Antetokounmpo is expected to be fully integrated into the lineup.
Pacers
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said Friday that his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon is progressing, though the road back remains long. Speaking at a youth basketball camp in Wisconsin, the 24-year-old noted he is now walking without crutches or a scooter six to seven weeks after surgery.
“It’s been up and down,” Haliburton said, adding that each incremental achievement—such as moving closer to wearing regular shoes full-time—marks significant progress. The All-Star suffered the injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Haliburton acknowledged the typical 12-month recovery timeline but remains encouraged by steady improvements and support from his medical team. He also cited last season’s near-miss in the Finals as motivation to return at full strength.
The guard will continue rehab under the guidance of surgeons and Pacers staff while Indiana looks to build on last season’s run without its floor leader.
Source: Hoops Wire
