In the world of professional basketball, few names shine as brightly as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s. Known as the “Greek Freak,” this towering athlete has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his remarkable skills and captivating journey. In this article, we’ll delve into the dramatic events surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s record-breaking game, his early life, career, age, net worth, and answer some frequently asked questions about this NBA superstar.
The Record-Breaking Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo recently made headlines for a historic performance on the basketball court. He scored an astonishing 64 points for the Milwaukee Bucks in a game against the Indiana Pacers. This incredible feat not only showcased his scoring prowess but also solidified his place in the annals of NBA history. Let’s take a closer look at what happened during and after this remarkable game.
The Game Ball Dispute
The post-game celebration took an unexpected turn when the game ball, originally meant for rookie Oscar Tshiebwe’s first NBA point, became the center of a dispute. After the game’s conclusion, Antetokounmpo was seen rushing down the tunnel, and a scuffle ensued over the game ball. It was later revealed that a Pacers coach had taken the ball for Tshiebwe, leading to confusion.
Antetokounmpo himself expressed uncertainty about the ball he ended up with, stating that it didn’t feel like the game ball he had played with during the match. The situation escalated, involving both teams’ players in a heated exchange in the hallway. Despite efforts by Bucks guard Cameron Payne to retrieve the ball for Antetokounmpo, tensions remained high. The game itself had its intense moments, including an on-court melee between Antetokounmpo and Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith, resulting in Bucks forward Bobby Portis’ ejection.
In the aftermath, both teams downplayed the incident as part of the competitiveness in the league. Antetokounmpo, disappointed but resilient, mentioned that though the situation was unfortunate, life continues. The incident added a dramatic twist to an already remarkable night for the Greek basketball sensation.
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo?
To truly understand the significance of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey, it’s essential to delve into his background and the remarkable career he has carved out in the NBA.
Early Life
Born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, Giannis had a unique early life as the son of Nigerian immigrants. His father was a former soccer player in Nigeria, and his mother excelled in the high jump. The family moved to Greece from Lagos, leaving Giannis’s older brother Francis in the care of their grandparents. Growing up in the Athens neighborhood of Sepolia, the Antetokounmpo family faced challenges as immigrants without work permits.
To support the family, Giannis and his brother Thanasis sold watches, handbags, and sunglasses on the streets. Despite being born in Greece, Giannis and three of his brothers didn’t automatically receive Greek citizenship due to the country’s nationality laws. This, coupled with his parents’ heritage and different skin color, made him feel like an outsider in both the Greek and Nigerian communities.
For the first 18 years of his life, Giannis was effectively stateless and couldn’t travel outside the country. In 2013, just before the NBA draft, Giannis was granted Greek citizenship, and his surname was officially changed to Antetokounmpo. The difficulty in pronouncing his surname led to the nickname “Greek Freak.” Despite the challenges, Giannis embraces both his Greek and Nigerian identities, holding dual citizenship and expressing a sense of connection to both cultures.
Career Highlights
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s professional basketball career started with Filathlitikos in Athens in 2011 before he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 as the 15th overall pick. In the 2016–17 season, he made NBA history by leading the Bucks in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, a unique accomplishment that earned him the Most Improved Player award in 2017.
Throughout his career, Giannis has achieved numerous accolades, including being a 7-time NBA All-Star, a 2-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. In 2021, he led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years and was named the NBA Finals MVP. His remarkable achievements have solidified his place among the league’s all-time greats. The film “Rise,” released in 2022, depicts his life and family.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Age
As of 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo, celebrated as the “Greek Freak,” is 29 years old. Born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, he has left an indelible mark on the NBA with his remarkable skill set, versatility, and leadership.
Emerging as a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis has been instrumental in their success, showcasing an unparalleled blend of athleticism and basketball IQ. At this juncture of his career, the 29-year-old continues to be a dominant force in professional basketball, earning accolades and reinforcing his position among the league’s premier talents.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Net Worth
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the famous Greek basketball star known as “the Greek Freak,” boasts a net worth of $70 million. As one of the NBA’s highest-paid players, he rakes in an annual salary of $45 million. Beyond his financial success, Giannis has made history by being the first NBA player to rank in the top 20 for points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals in a regular season.
Notably, he clinched back-to-back NBA MVP Awards in 2019 and 2020 and, in 2021, led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in half a century. His remarkable skills on the court and numerous accolades contribute to his impressive net worth.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Stats
Year |
Team |
GP |
GS |
MPG |
FG% |
3P% |
FT% |
RPG |
APG |
SPG |
BPG |
PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Milwaukee | 77 | 23 | 24.6 | .414 | .347 | .683 | 4.4 | 1.9 | .8 | .8 | 6.8 |
| 2014–15 | Milwaukee | 81 | 71 | 31.4 | .491 | .159 | .741 | 6.7 | 2.6 | .9 | 1.0 | 12.7 |
| 2015–16 | Milwaukee | 80 | 79 | 35.3 | .506 | .257 | .724 | 7.7 | 4.3 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 16.9 |
| 2016–17 | Milwaukee | 80 | 80 | 35.6 | .522 | .272 | .770 | 8.7 | 5.4 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 22.9 |
| 2017–18 | Milwaukee | 75 | 75 | 36.7 | .529 | .307 | .760 | 10.0 | 4.8 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 26.9 |
| 2018–19 | Milwaukee | 72 | 72 | 32.8 | .578 | .256 | .729 | 12.5 | 5.9 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 27.7 |
| 2019–20 | Milwaukee | 63 | 63 | 30.4 | .553 | .304 | .633 | 13.6 | 5.6 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 29.5 |
| 2020–21† | Milwaukee | 61 | 61 | 33.0 | .569 | .303 | .685 | 11.0 | 5.9 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 28.1 |
| 2021–22 | Milwaukee | 67 | 67 | 32.9 | .553 | .293 | .722 | 11.6 | 5.8 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 29.9 |
| 2022–23 | Milwaukee | 63 | 63 | 32.1 | .553 | .275 | .645 | 11.8 | 5.7 | .8 | .8 | 31.1 |
| Career | 719 | 654 | 32.5 | .537 | .287 | .708 | 9.6 | 4.7 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 22.6 | |
| All-Star | 7 | 7 | 25.6 | .717 | .316 | .667 | 7.7 | 3.0 | 1.3 | .9 | 25.1‡ | |
What Happened to Giannis Antetokounmpo – FAQs
- What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s height and weight?
Giannis Antetokounmpo stands at 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 243 pounds. - How many NBA MVP Awards has Giannis won?
Giannis Antetokounmpo has won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice, in 2019 and 2020. - What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s nickname?
Giannis is affectionately known as “The Greek Freak” due to his exceptional skills and athleticism. - How many NBA championships has Giannis won with the Milwaukee Bucks?
Giannis led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, ending a 50-year title drought for the team. - When did Giannis become an NBA All-Star?
Giannis Antetokounmpo became an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2017 and has been selected in every All-Star Game since then.
In conclusion, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey from a challenging early life to becoming an NBA legend is a testament to his extraordinary talent, resilience, and dedication to the game of basketball. His impact on and off the court continues to inspire fans around the world.
