Giannis Antetokounmpo & Dennis Schroder join LeBron James (U.S.) in leading their country contingent at the Opening Ceremonies.
LeBron James recently earned the distinction of becoming the first men’s basketball player to lead the U.S. Olympic contingent into the Opening Ceremonies, he won’t be the only NBA player heading up his country’s athletes in Paris.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) and Dennis Schroder (Germany) were selected to serve as flag bearers. Each will make a historic appearance as the first Black athlete to carry the flag for their respective countries.
The Bucks forward helped Greece lock up a spot in Paris, winning one of four Olympic Qualifying Tournaments with an emotional victory over Croatia. It will mark his Olympic debut, as the upcoming Games will be the first for Greece men’s basketball since 2008.
Schroder led Germany to an undefeated 8-0 run through the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which culminated with a win over Serbia in the gold medal game. They had previously knocked off Team USA in the semifinal.
With 28 points in the final, Schroder capped an impressive run as TISSOT MVP, averaging 19.1 points and 6.1 assists. This will mark Year Three of a three-year commitment made by the players to the national program, with expectations riding high entering Paris.
