Kostas Antetokounmpo, the third of the world’s best-known Greek siblings, is leaving the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2020 NBA champion has chosen ASVEL to revive, after a season where he has hardly played. A way to save playing time while remaining competitive, in a team that is playing for the title in France and competing in the EuroLeague.
Everything can go very quickly in the NBA. Like the passage of Kostas Antetokounmpo, which lasted only three years. Almost not used by the Lakers, Kostas did not have much opportunity to show his talent. In fact, the Greek spent more time with the Lakers of… South Bay (38 games in 2019-20), the G League team affiliated with the legendary Californian franchise, or on the bench. It’s obviously a little disappointment for the young Antetokounmpo, very competitive like his brothers, but he knew it was going to be difficult after being drafted in 60th position in 2018 by the Sixers. His journey ? Kostas was sent directly to Dallas after the Draft, with whom he signed a two-way contract. A year later, in July 2019, Mark Cuban and the Texan front office decided to cut the young Greek, quickly recruited by the Lakers via a new two-way deal. The rest, we know it. Despite a title won by LA last season, which he therefore has in his record before Giannis (and that’s for eternity), Antetokounmpo plays too little (15 small games in 2020-21).
A situation which could not go on any longer, and which pushed Kostas to look elsewhere. And elsewhere, it is therefore in Europe, and more precisely in Villeurbanne, at our national Tony Parker. The news was announced by the club on Friday. A challenge as new as it is interesting for the 23-year-old Greek. And the arrival of Giannis’ brother delighted TJ Parker, the coach of ASVEL (via the official website).
“It’s obviously a name that speaks to everyone! Kostas has talent in his hands, he is very athletic, can play in positions 4 and 5. He has just completed a year in the G-League and still has a lot to learn. But during the discussions we had together, we quickly could feel his determination and his motivation! “
With ASVEL, Antetokounmpo obviously hopes to play more, but also to win new titles. The national champion and winner of the Coupe de France 2021 will obviously play the title next season, in parallel with the EuroLeague. The arrival of the mini-Freak in France is in any case a small event. Beyond the name Antetokounmpo which is well known to all basketball fans, Kostas’ profile can be interesting in Europe.
It is in France, in Villeurbanne that Kostas Antetokounmpo will therefore try to bounce back. A long-term experience or a simple stint to cut your teeth before trying your luck in the NBA? The future will tell. But one thing is certain, we may well see Antetokounmpo in the French and European Top 10 next season!
Source text: LDLC ASVEL
❗ Workforce 2021-2022 ???? Power with Kostas ANTETOKOÙNMPO!
The Greek interior leaves the NBA and will discover Europe with LDLC ASVEL for the next two seasons!
✍ https://t.co/s9zXuEGXu2#LDLCASVEL— LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) July 16, 2021
