The 42nd edition of EuroBasket, running from August 27 to September 14 across Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia, emerges as one of the year’s premier stages for international basketball.

Among dozens of NBA representatives, two of the league’s brightest lights—Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić—are confirmed for the tournament, immediately vaulting their national squads into the circle of title contenders.

Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP, headlines Greece’s preliminary roster and has reaffirmed his determination to play, declaring, “If I'm healthy, I'll definitely be there.” His return is a major boost to a Greek team chasing its first EuroBasket medal since 2009, especially as the forward recently powered his country at the Paris Olympics.

Beside him are seasoned EuroLeague and domestic talents as Greece balances star power with new faces, though they will be challenged by injuries and a handful of high-profile absences.

For Slovenia, the creative energy and scoring polish of Luka Dončić will set the tone once again. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has said “it’s a pride, a joy to play for your own country every time I can,” and EuroBasket will offer him another shot at extending Slovenia’s Cinderella run from recent international events.

Will Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic play at the EuroBasket?

Not every European NBA star will be suiting up. Victor Wembanyama, the generational French talent, will miss the competition while recovering from a blood clot issue that prematurely ended his sophomore NBA season.

France will also be without Rudy Gobert, who is prioritizing rest and family after a long campaign—a decision that reshapes the French roster and opens the door for emerging talents like Bilal Coulibaly and Zaccharie Risacher to seize the spotlight.

Other countries will miss big names as well. Serbian center Nikola Jokić has yet to announce his participation—his decision remains “expected soon” according to reports. Key Spanish, Italian, and Greek veterans are out due to injury or personal choice, highlighting the unpredictable mix of established stars and rising prospects that EuroBasket annually delivers.

NBA fans will still have plenty to watch. Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia), Jonas Valančiūnas (Lithuania), Nikola Vučević (Montenegro), Donte DiVincenzo (Italy), and Alperen Sengun (Turkey) are among the other notables taking part, ensuring EuroBasket remains a crossroads of NBA and international basketball.

Anticipation Across the Continent

With the NBA on summer hiatus, EuroBasket 2025 becomes the continent’s headline act, fueling national pride and global attention. The confirmed presences of Giannis and Luka, and the absence of Wembanyama, create new dynamics and storylines for Europe’s showcase event.

For die-hard basketball fans, this year’s EuroBasket offers another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between NBA stardom and international glory—a proving ground for legends, hopefuls, and the future of the sport.