Watch: When young Giannis Antetokounmpo declared he wanted to win MVP and reporters laughed
Giannis Antetokounmpo's path to the NBA was very difficult. Born in Athens, Greece, the two-time MVP was selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA draft. Not a lot was known about him when he entered the league.
As a rookie during the 2013-14 season, Antetokounmpo looked like a raw, unfinished product. He averaged 6.8 points in 24.6 minutes of action. The charismatic teenager didn't allow that to sway his confidence. He still believed in the upside of his game.
A young and optimistic Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke to the media in his rookie season. He talked about his goals as an NBA player, which included winning an MVP Award. It was initially viewed as humorous by the reporters in the media scrum. Fast forward to today, and Antetokounmpo has become one of the best players in the world.
The reporters laughed at young Giannis for wanting to be the MVP.
Who laughing now…
(via @lanceallan)
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Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks thriving in 2022-23 season
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are red hot to start the season. They are in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 9-0 record. They are also the only team that remains undefeated.
The superstar forward has been impressive. Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. He's also shooting 55.3% from the field.
It's been remarkable to see Antetokounmpo's growth and he has certainly delivered on his promise of becoming an MVP.
The 28-year-old superstar won the MVP award twice in 2019 and 2020. Given how he's played so far, he's expected to be in the MVP conversation once again.
"I cannot have everything in life... I had to stay humble somehow."
Giannis keeping it real 😅
(via @Giannis_An34) https://t.co/pmJCxlvLbT
Antetokounmpo's combination of size, speed and strength make him nearly impossible to guard. The 6'11" star is a nightmare matchup for just about every player in the league.
Antetokounmpo has made huge strides with his on-court development. While not known for being a jump shooter, the 'Greek Freak' has become efficient enough to get the attention of opposing defenders. When he finishes his career, he will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
The Milwaukee Bucks looked poised to repeat as back-to-back champions last season. That was until an injury to star Khris Middleton destroyed the team's chances. The Bucks lost in seven games to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Bucks have used that loss as motivation. Milwaukee will look to extend their winning streak to double digits when they take on the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. It will be the first game of a three-game road trip.
The Bucks will then travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Wednesday. They will cap off their road trip against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. They will return home for a game against the Hawks on Monday, November 14.