NBA Stars Set to Shine (and Sit Out) at EuroBasket 2025 - Luka and Giannis Take Center Stage; Wemby Benched?
EuroBasket 2025
is right around the corner, and it's shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of elite talent, passionate fanbases, and high-stakes international basketball. While the tournament will feature several NBA stars proudly representing their nations, it will also miss some big names due to injuries and team decisions.
From
Luka Dončić
suiting up for Slovenia to
Giannis Antetokounmpo
chasing gold with Greece, here's a complete breakdown of who's in, who's out, and what it all means for Europe's top basketball competition.
EuroBasket 2025 Headliners: Luka and Giannis Take Center Court
Luka Dončić: Slovenia's Driving Force
Luka Dončić
returns to EuroBasket 2025 not just as a star, but as a national hero. After leading Slovenia to gold in 2017 at just 18 and delivering more dazzling performances in 2022, Dončić now enters the tournament at the peak of his powers. Fresh off another MVP-caliber NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he'll serve as the backbone of Slovenia's Group D campaign, which features tough matchups against France and co-hosts Poland.
Backed fully by his NBA team—who even sent a coach to help maintain his fitness—Dončić boasts a staggering 19.4 PPG average in EuroBasket play. Expect plenty of step-back threes, jaw-dropping assists, and Luka magic as he aims to add another medal to his collection.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Hungry for Glory
Giannis and LeBron (Image via Getty)
The 'Greek Freak' is back and laser-focused on delivering his country its first EuroBasket title since 2005.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
returns to international duty fresh from a dominant 2024–25 NBA season, bringing his trademark blend of explosive offense, stifling defense, and leadership.
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With his brother Kostas alongside him and a revamped supporting cast, Giannis will carry Greece through Group C, promising highlight-reel plays and intense competitiveness every game. The gold medal is firmly in his sights.
Who's Missing: Wembanyama Sidelined, France in Transition
Victor Wembanyama
: Sitting Out Due to Health Precaution
One of the tournament's most anticipated stars,
Victor Wembanyama
, will not suit up for France. After suffering a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that ended his NBA season early, the San Antonio Spurs and Wembanyama's medical team prioritized recovery over risk.
Though progressing well, the 7-foot-4 sensation won't take the court this summer, a cautious move endorsed by France's national program. To make matters tougher, fellow NBA veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier have also opted out, leaving France to lean on a crop of talented young players.
NBA Talent Across the Continent
Beyond Luka and Giannis, EuroBasket 2025 will feature a strong lineup of NBA stars and former players representing their countries. Here's a look at the NBA flavor each team is bringing:
Player
NBA Team
National Team
Notes
Nikola Jokić
Denver Nuggets
Serbia
Two-time NBA MVP, Serbia's offensive anchor
Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz
Finland
Stretch-four with elite shooting and versatility
Jusuf Nurkić
Charlotte Hornets
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dominant inside presence
Vlatko Čančar
Denver Nuggets
Slovenia
Reliable forward and Luka's trusted teammate
Various French rookies
Multiple NBA teams
France
Sidy Cissoko, Bilal Coulibaly leading the youth
Willy Hernangómez
Ex-NBA, now Europe
Spain
Veteran post scorer, vital to Spain's game plan
Combined with top-tier European league stars, EuroBasket 2025 is bursting with basketball excellence.
EuroBasket 2025 Tournament Info: Dates and Venues
Here are the necessary details about EuroBasket 2025:
- Dates: August 27 – September 14, 2025
- Host Countries: Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia
- Final Venue: Riga, Latvia
- Format: 24 teams, round-robin group stage followed by single-elimination knockout rounds
Also read:
Damian Lillard's Hilarious Milwaukee Tale: Jrue Holiday's House and Bad Wi-Fi that Formed an Unexpected NBA Bond
EuroBasket 2025 promises to be a can't-miss celebration of basketball culture and elite-level play. Whether you're watching for national pride or to follow your favorite NBA stars on the global stage, this summer's showdown is set to deliver unforgettable moments.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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