Giannis Antetokounmpo is hoping to give the Bucks their first NBA title since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led them to the 1971 championship.
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Back in 2013, with the 15th pick in the NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks took a risk on a thin, unknown and baby-faced teenager with just a handful of experience against limited competition. But the rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo to stardom with the Milwaukee Bucks, has proven to be one of the most complex superstars in the NBA.
Giannis has proven to be not only be the best player in his draft class, but the best player in Milwaukee Bucks history. He’s been an absolute machine and seems to be at the peak of his career. He also rejuvenated a mediocre franchise and the entire city of Milwaukee, sparking a new sense of optimism.
GIANNIS DROPS THE HAMMER.
HE DON’T WANNA GO HOME
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/XSbbC9jhFZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 18, 2021
He has racked up numbers on the court. And the charming personality he’s shown off of it has already made the 26-year-old an icon. Fresh off of his impressive performance against the Brooklyn Nets in the playoffs, the two-time MVP is in the midst of hitting another gear just as the Bucks are headed to the Eastern Conference finals.
Born in Greece to Nigerian parents, Antetokounmpo began playing basketball for the youth teams of Filathlitikos in Athens. In 2011, he began playing for the club’s senior team before entering the 2013 NBA draft. Given his nationality, in addition to his size, speed and ball-handling skills earned him the nickname “Greek Freak”.
In 2016-17Â season, he led the Bucks in all five major categories. Thus, in the process, he became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in all five categories of total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Quite rightly he was the Most Improved Player award in 2017.
Antetokounmpo won back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player Awards in 2019 and 2020. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James as the only players to win two MVPs before turning 26. Along with his MVP award, he was also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. In doing so, he became the third player after Michael Jordan (1988) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1994) to win both awards in the same season.
The Greek superstar has set truly historical marks in each of the last two seasons that stand up with some of the greatest players to play in the NBA.Â
Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s close relationship and chemistry on the court proved vital for Bucks to re-sign Antetokounmpo in 2020. After being eliminated in the conference finals back-to-back seasons, Giannis was at the end of his contract. Thus, this meant he could he leave the Bucks as a free agent. The Bucks fans feared the worst after two heart breaking seasons. Too often, NBA players place an emphasis on money and winning over being loyal to the ones that gave them a chance. NBA fans and executives alike drew narratives that Giannis was unhappy in Milwaukee and wanted out come free agency.
“We are built for this. That’s why we are here.”
Giannis said he wanted the Bucks to cherish this moment. pic.twitter.com/lUW15zKXwW
— ESPN (@espn) June 20, 2021
Middleton allegedly got Giannis a pen for his birthday. He gifted the MVP a pen, which would presumably be used to sign his super-max extension. And it looks to have worked back then, Antetokounmpo resigned with the Bucks to show that loyalty still exists in a league.
This year’s Bucks roster looks much different as opposed to recent years. With the addition of Jrue Holiday, it has taken a load off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s hands. Giannis also seems to be finding his rhythm on the floor more fluidly. Khris Middleton has been massively important for the Bucks. He is averaging 20.8 points, 6.0 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season.
“It was definitely exhausting but it’s worth it. It’s going to hurt a little bit if you want to be great.”
Giannis spoke with @JaredSGreenberg after the Bucks’ Game 7 win. pic.twitter.com/5RfJ2dk7Wb
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 20, 2021
After advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, Bucks are quite the favourites to make it to the NBA finals. The dynamic duo will look to bring Milwaukee its first title in 50 years this season.
