By Aris Barkas / info@eurohoops.net
Greece head coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos commented on how the national team handles the way Giannis Antetokounmpo is used in regards to his knee issue and the management of his workload.
“The situation with Giannis is a little bit complicated,” Skourtopoulos said in the post-game presser following the win over New Zealand. “On the other side, we have to protect Giannis and his health situation. So we have to take care of the time he plays and the time shared. Of course not against the team.”
“With New Zealand using a small-ball lineup, the timing was good for us to put him on the court mor,” Skourtopoulos added. “On the five, most of the times. He could find the space to work and take decisions on offense. In the next game with Team USA, I think it will be much better for him because he knows their mentality and the way they play. It’s not like the European teams and the FIBA regulations. Now it’s time for him to increase the time and everything in the game.”
Greece is facing Team USA Saturday (7/9) in Game 1 of the second round of the tournament.