Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak, has become one of the most dominant players in the NBA. He is a two-time MVP, and five-time All-Star, and was instrumental in leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971. While many basketball fans are aware of his incredible athleticism and skill on the court, there are several surprising things you may not know about Giannis Antetokounmpo.
1. He sold watches and CDs on the streets to help his family make ends meet
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t have an easy childhood. Born in Athens, Greece to Nigerian parents who immigrated to the country, he faced poverty and discrimination growing up. His family struggled to make ends meet, and as a result, young Giannis had to work odd jobs to contribute to the household income. He sold watches and CDs on the streets of Athens to make some extra money, which is a stark contrast to his current status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
2. He and his brothers all play basketball professionally
Giannis Antetokounmpo comes from a family of athletes, as all five of his brothers also play basketball professionally. The Antetokounmpo brothers have even played together on the same team in Greece, the Filathlitikos. Giannis credits his brothers for helping him develop his skills and pushing him to become the best player he can be. The Antetokounmpo brothers have become a basketball dynasty in Greece.
3. He didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13 years old
Despite coming from a family of basketball players, Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t start playing the sport until he was 13 years old. Before that, he played soccer and other sports. When he finally started playing basketball, he quickly realized that he had a natural talent for the game. He began to hone his skills, and within a few years, he was playing professionally in Greece.
4. He is a devoted family man
Giannis Antetokounmpo is famously humble and grounded, and he credits his family for keeping him that way. He often speaks about how important his family is to him and how much he values their support. In fact, when he won his first MVP award in 2019, he dedicated it to his family, saying, “I want to thank my dad, my mom, my brothers, my son, and my girlfriend for being there for me and always supporting me.”
5. He almost quit basketball to focus on selling DVDs
When Giannis Antetokounmpo was playing in the Greek second division, he was approached by a businessman who wanted to start a DVD-selling business with him. The man offered to pay Giannis a substantial amount of money to work with him, which was a tempting offer for the struggling athlete. He even started to consider quitting basketball to pursue business opportunities. However, his coach talked him out of it, telling him that he had the potential to become a great player if he continued to work hard. He decided to stick with basketball, and the rest is history.
