Why does Giannis Antetokounmpo wear number 34? Reason behind ‘unique’ jersey number explored
Giannis Antetokounmpo has one of the best-selling jerseys in the NBA, but why does he wear number 34?
Prior to getting into the NBA, Giannis wore the number four while playing professional basketball from 2011-2013 with Filathlitikos B.C. in Greece.
It wasn't until he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks that he switched numbers. Antetokounmpo explained the reasons behind the change in numbers during an interview with The Athletic.
“My mom was born in 1963. My dad was born in 1964. So I took the three and the four, 34. And Thanasis took the four and the three.
“A lot of people think I wear it because of Hakeem (Olajuwon), no. I wear it because of my parents. It’s just crazy because it ended (up) being the same. In Nigeria, it’s a big deal, you know. Representing Hakeem Ojaluwon’s 34, Giannis is 34. But no, it’s because of my parents.”
Of course, with Antetokounmpo having one of the best-selling jerseys in the NBA, the number has become synonymous with him in his own right.
Above, you can see footage of him explaining the number to reporters.
Giannis Antetokounmpo growing up in Greece
Recently, the Antetokounmpo brothers were the subject of a wildly successful movie, Rise, which takes a look at their family. The film takes viewers on a journey from their parents' time in Turkey, immigrating to Greece, and their struggles along the way.
As Giannis Antetokounmpo pointed out, one of the most remarkable things about the film when looking back was the fact that his parents never lost faith. He spoke in an interview with tmj4, saying:
"It took me a couple weeks and I went back to mom and said, 'You never lost hope.' That's insane. I would have lost hope two years into Greece, like I'm out of here.
"You keep raising us, and put us in school, and having us get educated, trusting us out there, and helping us, and joining a team, doing what we love, but you never lost hope throughout it all until we actually made it."
As Giannis Antetokounmpo pointed out, the film Rise is more than just a way to remember the journey he, his brothers, and his parents went on. It's also a way for his two sons to learn more about their heritage and what the family went through to get to that point.
Giannis has a chance to further that legacy this season as he and the Milwaukee Bucks look to make a postseason push to another championship. While the team currently sits atop the Eastern Conference, Antetokounmpo has dealt with his fair share of injuries and health problems as of late.
Heading into the All-Star weekend, he injured his wrist against the Chicago Bulls, before then coming down with a non-COVID-related illness that sidelined him. Although his number 34 is already all but guaranteed to hang in the rafters once he retires, this season could see him raise another banner for Milwaukee.
Below you can see some of his best plays from the season.