Giannis Antetokounmpo, often called the “Greek Freak,” is a professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents, he began his basketball career with Filathlitikos in Athens before entering the 2013 NBA Draft, where the Bucks selected him 15th overall.
Antetokounmpo’s unique combination of size, speed, and ball-handling skills has earned him multiple accolades:
- NBA Champion: 2021
- NBA Finals MVP: 2021
- Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP): 2019, 2020
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2020
- Nine-time NBA All-Star: 2017–2025
In the 2024–2025 season, Antetokounmpo has been pivotal in the Bucks’ performance, averaging 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game with a shooting efficiency of approximately 61%. Despite these impressive stats, his MVP candidacy faces challenges due to strong performances from players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, as well as the Bucks’ record of 31-24.
A significant milestone was achieved on March 6, 2025, when Antetokounmpo surpassed 20,000 career points during a game against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the sixth-youngest player to reach this mark. In that game, he contributed 32 points to the Bucks’ 137-107 victory.
Off the court, Antetokounmpo expanded his involvement in sports by becoming a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 and, along with his brothers, an investor in the Nashville SC of Major League Soccer in 2023.
His journey from selling goods on the streets of Athens to NBA superstardom exemplifies resilience and dedication, making him an inspirational figure in the sports world.