The Greek Freak — arrived in the NBA as a raw, skinny teenager from Athens and transformed into a two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and 2021 NBA champion. His 50-point closeout performance in Game 6 of the 2021 Finals against Phoenix is one of the greatest individual displays in championship history.
Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, Greece in 1994, the son of Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo who had emigrated from Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up without Greek citizenship, Giannis and his brothers sold goods on the streets of Athens to help support the family. Milwaukee Bucks drafted him 15th overall in 2013 when he was an unknown 18-year-old from the Greek second division. His transformation from raw teenager to the NBA's dominant player is one of basketball's great development stories. He won the NBA MVP in 2019 and 2020, the Finals MVP in 2021 — leading Milwaukee to his first championship in 50 years — and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. He became the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1994 to win MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. He earned Greek citizenship in 2013 and represents Greece internationally. At 6ft 11in with a 7ft 3in wingspan and the speed of a point guard, his physical combination is unique in basketball history. He is nicknamed the Greek Freak.
Two-time NBA MVP and NBA Champion known as 'The Greek Freak'
How They Played
Versatile forward with exceptional athleticism, ball-handling, and defensive versatility
Lasting Impact
Transformed from raw prospect to superstar, leading Milwaukee to first championship in 50 years
NBA Champion 2021 (Milwaukee Bucks)
He was listed as a foreign player from Greece when drafted, but was born in Athens to Nigerian parents who had emigrated from Lagos.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- NBA Champion 2021 (Milwaukee Bucks)
- NBA MVP 2019, 2020
- Finals MVP 2021
- Defensive Player of Year 2020
- Most Improved Player 2017
- All-Star 9x
- All-NBA First Team 6x
- Olympic Gold 2024 (Greece)