Kendrick Perkins approves Giannis Antetokounmpo of being a true NBA legendary professional like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett: “God did when he blessed us with Giannis…He’s every GM dream”
Kendrick Perkins praised Giannis Antetokounmpo's discipline and character as a professional, comparing him to stalwarts like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. The Milwaukee Bucks star exhibits a high level of talent, respect and positivity.
The six-time All-Star and champion has dominated for Milwaukee in recent years. His success since the beginning of his career has not changed him as a person. In fact, it has made him more lovable to fans.
Antetokounmpo is known for his playful antics and upbeat mindset, which never changes no matter what. Win or lose, Giannis demonstrates a level of self control that keeps him from losing his cool. He has emerged as a role model both on and off the basketball court.
Perkins understands what it's like to see pressure or immediate success break players' will, resulting in cockiness or disrespect. Giannis has yet to allow anything like that to occur.
“God did when he blessed us with Giannis. … He is every GM dream when it comes to a franchise player. ... He reminds me a little bit of KG along with the late great Kobe Bryant, where he don’t take no possessions off on both ends of the floor.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s development into a role model
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still 27, but has already accomplished many great things in his career.
It may have taken Antetokounmpo a few years to establish himself, with his first All-Star appearance coming in 2017 and each season since. Since then, he has risen to become one of the league's most dominant players.
Giannis went from being named back-to-back MVP (2018-19 and 2019-20) and Defensive Player of the Year (2019-20) to winning the 2021 championship as the Finals MVP. The success he has had hasn't influenced him to become a cocky, selfish basketball player who is resentful. Not many believed in him after a mediocre rookie season, but instead, he kept his head held high with a big smile that everyone adores.
Kendrick Perkins outlined what makes Giannis such a perfect role model:
“The passion that he plays with, his availability to the media, never shied away from the moment, always holding himself accountable, always showing the love and passion for the game. … This is a guy, if I want my kid to follow the example on who to be in the league, I want it to be Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Just think about it. He never gets in trouble off the court, he’s always doing the right thing, he stays in the lab, every year he gets better. And right now I think he is the best player in the game, and I don't think there's no debate about it.”
Having Perkins outline Antetokounmpo as the perfect role model helps show just how great a guy Giannis is. It is easy for stars of any kind to fake a personality when cameras are around, but Perkins’ points are true.
Giannis never gets into trouble. He never gives his organization any backlash or friction. The man walks onto the court with a smile and dominates. There is not much more to it. Being a good basketball player is one thing. Being an easy entity for your organization to work with is also very important.
These are the kind of things one wants their children to pick up on. Growing skills in the sport is the first step, but being able to stay respectful and humble being among such stardom is a completely different thing.
That is what makes Giannis the perfect role model.