Whether you are a follower of the National Basketball League or the EuroLeague, specifically Panathinaikos BC or Olympiacos BC, this edition of 5 Greeks features the careers and evolution of five professional basketball players. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kostas Koufos have each been featured in 5 Greeks before (Antetokounmpo in March 2015’s edition and Koufos in August 2016), this month we feature five more on the courts! Rosters were sourced from the ESPN, NBA, Panathinaikos, and Olympiacos’ Official Websites.
#1 and #2
Kostas and Thanasis Antetokounmpo: Yes, it runs in the family! The brothers of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kostas and Thanasis both have played for the NBA as well. Thanasis most recently played for the New York Knicks in the 2015-2016 season. Per PAOBC.gr, Thanasis plays Small Forward for Panathinaikos BC (Euroleague). Currently, Kostas plays for the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) as Power Forward. To follow Kostas on Instagram @kostas__ante13 and Thanasis @thanasis_ante43
#3
Kostas Papanikolaou: The 2014-2015 NBA season saw Kostas Papanikolaou playing for the NBA’s Houston Rockets. The following season, Papanikolaou played for the Denver Nuggets. Per his official Instagram, he is currently playing for Olympiacos BC (Euroleague). Follow Papanikolaou on Instagram @k_pap16
#4
Georgios Papagiannis: Having played two seasons for the Sacramento Kings, the 2016-2017 season and the 2017-2018 season, Georgios Papagiannis added to the Kings’ kefi with fellow Greek Kostas Koufos. Papagiannis also played for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017-2018 season. Currently, he is playing for Panathinaikos BC with Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Follow Papagiannis on Instagram @g_p_06
#5
Vassilis Spanoulis: The Greek connection goes further with the Houston Rockets! Like Papanikolaou, Vassilis Spanoulis played for the Rockets too, yet he played in the 2006-2007 NBA season. As posted on Instagram, Spanoulis currently plays for Olympiacos BC. In detailing his time with Olympiacos, their official website states Spanoulis has been the leader and captain for the team since 2011. Follow Spanoulis on Instagram @vassilis7span
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