Giannis on ownership, Jabari Parker, Vasilije Micic and picking Ronaldo

Giannis on ownership, Jabari Parker and Vasilije Micic

Giannis Antetokounmpo was in good spirits in Los Angeles despite missing the All-Star mini-tournament with an injury. He spoke to reporters about a few different topics, starting with the idea of owning a team one day. He said he would absolutely consider becoming an owner if the right opportunity came along — maybe in Europe — as long as the risk and timing felt right. He also mentioned that he’d be open to other roles in basketball, like coaching, because he wants to stay involved in the game.

When the conversation turned to Vasilije Micic, Giannis noted that some players in Europe hold small ownership stakes while still playing and that Micic is an example of a high-profile EuroLeague player who’s involved off the court. Giannis wondered aloud how those arrangements work if a player gets traded, but he was clear he’d be interested in opportunities that let players have a stake in teams.

On rumors about his former teammate Jabari Parker possibly moving clubs, Giannis said he hadn’t heard anything concrete. He did take a moment to praise Parker, calling him someone he enjoyed playing with and who has grown both as a player and a person. Giannis acknowledged the bumps Parker has faced recently but admired his resilience and careful decision-making, saying he’s confident Jabari will make the right choice for his career.

Messi vs Ronaldo and Partizan’s turnaround

Reporters even tossed a fun challenge at Giannis: pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Giannis gave a measured answer — he respects Messi’s natural brilliance and work ethic, but said he personally relates more to Ronaldo because of Cristiano’s relentless discipline and longevity. In short, he picked Ronaldo while recognizing both legends have earned their status.

On the broader European scene, Giannis and others have noticed how narratives can shift quickly. Partizan, which some had written off at one point, has shown signs of a real transformation on the court. Players and coaches around the league have pointed to improved defense, coaching influence and a stronger team mentality as drivers of that change. Several figures connected to the club have expressed hope that recent progress will hold steady and continue to build.