24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on January 24, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
'Greek Freak' is an NBA champion, NBA MVP and all-time defender
- Two-time NBA MVP and NBA champion
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- Led Milwaukee Bucks to first title in 50 years
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Giannis Antetokounmpo transformed from an unknown prospect to one of the NBA's most dominant forces, redefining basketball with his unique skillset and work ethic.
Overview
Giannis Antetokounmpo's rise to NBA superstardom is one of the most remarkable stories in basketball history. Born in Athens, Greece to Nigerian immigrants, Antetokounmpo went from selling trinkets on the streets to becoming the face of an NBA franchise in just a few short years.
Drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, the "Greek Freak" quickly developed into one of the league's most unstoppable players. His combination of size, length, athleticism and skill allowed him to impact the game on both ends of the floor in ways rarely seen before.
Career snapshot
Antetokounmpo's NBA career has been defined by constant improvement and an insatiable drive to get better. After showing flashes of potential in his first few seasons, he made the leap to superstar status in 2016-17, earning his first All-Star selection and Most Improved Player award.
From there, Antetokounmpo's ascension was meteoric. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, becoming just the third player ever to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. In 2021, he led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, putting together one of the most dominant Finals performances in league history.
Playing style
At nearly 7 feet tall with a 7'3" wingspan, Antetokounmpo possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism that allows him to dominate on both ends. Offensively, he's nearly unstoppable attacking the rim, using his long strides and strength to power through defenders. His playmaking has improved dramatically, making him a threat to find open teammates when defenses collapse.
Defensively, Antetokounmpo is a force, capable of guarding all five positions and erasing shots at the rim. His ability to cover ground quickly allows him to help and recover better than almost anyone in NBA history.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo is on our list
Antetokounmpo's impact on the game goes beyond his individual accolades. He's redefined the concept of positionless basketball, showcasing skills traditionally associated with guards in a centre's body. His work ethic and team-first mentality have transformed the culture in Milwaukee, turning a perennial afterthought into a championship contender.
Most importantly, Antetokounmpo has achieved the pinnacle of NBA success while staying loyal to the team that drafted him, bucking the trend of superstar movement. His decision to sign a supermax extension with the Bucks before leading them to a title cements his legacy as one of the game's greatest players and leaders.
Five Fast Facts
- Grew 2 inches after being drafted, from 6'9" to 6'11"
- First player in NBA history to finish a season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks
- Has led the Bucks in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) for five straight seasons
- Won the 2021 NBA Finals MVP after scoring 50 points in the closeout game
- One of only three players to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in their career
Career Highlights Timeline
- 2013: Drafted 15th overall by Milwaukee Bucks
- 2017: Named Most Improved Player, first All-Star selection
- 2019: Wins first MVP award
- 2020: Wins second straight MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
- 2021: Leads Bucks to NBA championship, wins Finals MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo's journey from the streets of Athens to the top of the NBA world is nothing short of extraordinary. His combination of physical gifts, relentless work ethic, and team-first mentality have made him one of the most dominant and beloved players of his generation. As he enters his prime years, Antetokounmpo seems poised to continue rewriting the NBA history books and cementing his place among the all-time greats.
