Giannis Antetokounmpo's humility on display as he gets honest on Dirk Nowitzki's 'skinny' draft remarks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one of the best players in the NBA in the past five years. he has been a dominant force on the court, earning him the nickname "Greek Freak." He has also won the Most Valuable Player honor twice in his career (in 2019 and 2020).
So, when Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki revealed that he missed the opportunity to draft the Greek international because he dismissed him as "too skinny," many were surprised. However, when Fox Sports 1 panelist Rachel Nichols asked Giannis Antetokounmpo about Nowitzki's revelation, he showed humility.
"I don't know if I would have drafted myself," Antetokounmpo said on Open Run with Rachel Nichols on Saturday. "Back then, he was a great player, his legacy has been tremendous. He, you know, paved the path for a lot of players from Europe."
Furthermore, when Nichols pressed the Bucks star on Nowitzki's missed opportunity, the Bucks star applauded the former Mavs player and praised him for acquiring another player who turned out to be equally successful as Antetokounmpo.
"Not all GMs in the league make the best decisions. They didn't get me but they got Luka (Doncic). So, it's okay."
Giannis Antetokounmpo is having an incredible run with the Bucks this season. He is averaging 32.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. However, the Bucks are recovering, making up for their losses early this season. They have a 14-11 record and are the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to win another MVP honor
Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing like an MVP this season. The Bucks ace and eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard are the sole reason behind the turnaround of his team's disastrous start. The Bucks started the season with a 2-8 record in their first ten games. However, they have turned it around and are making a case for playoff qualification.
Yahoo Sports talked with Antetokounmpo on Dec. 6 and reported on his desire to win the MVP award.
"Yeah, that definitely might put tears in my eyes,” Antetokounmpo said. I do want to be part of that conversation. It lets me know I was able to help my team, carry my team, solidified. I’m not gonna lie, it definitely means something to me."
"At this point in my career, I had the conversation with my brother, I was like, man, it’s crazy to me. I had just come to a realization that I might never win another MVP. I’m having better years than the years I won it. But hey, the league is improving, guys are playing very, very well."
Giannis Anetokounmpo will be in action on Tuesday when the Bucks take on the Western Conference's first seed, OKC Thunder.