Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a storied career as a Milwaukee Buck and as training camp does not begin for the Milwaukee Bucks until the end of September, it would be a great time to dive into the the 2021 NBA Finals MVP.
Here are 10 fun facts about Milwaukee’s superstar and savior:
1. Only Non-American player to win All-Star Game MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo is known to always try a little extra than most in the All-Star Game every season, and he went nuclear in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. Antetokoumpo racked up 35 points, while shooting 100% from the field going 16 for 16. His performance led to him becoming the first Non-American to win the award, saluting to the worldwide expansion of the league. Antetokounmpo has a career average of 25.1 points per game in the All-Star Game, which is the highest for a player who has participated in more than two games.
2. Career Leader in 7 Major Statistics for the Bucks
When you want to talk about who is the best Bucks basketball player of all time, it starts and ends already with Giannis. Giannis holds the record for:
- Points
- Games Played
- Minutes Played
- Assists
- Blocks
- Free Throws
- Triple Doubles
Not to mention he is second in total rebounds.
3. Greek Freak Trade Marked in 2014
Early on in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career he trade marked his famous nickname “Greek Freak”. It was an incredibly smart move for the Milwaukee Buck, as since becoming one of the faces of the brand Nike, they have been able to use the nickname as part of his marketing and advertising of his products. The craziest part about all of it is, he trade marked it in 2014 which was long before he was nothing but an exciting player to watch.
4. Giannis ran to a game in his Rookie Season
Most Bucks fans have heard this story before but it is always a fun one to look back on it, especially given where Giannis Antetokounmpo is at in his career now. During one of his games in 2013 during his rookie season, Giannis was very low on money after he sent a lot of his money to his family in Greece. So instead of being able to seek transportation, he decided to run to the arena. A couple did end up recognized him running and gave him a ride to the arena. Fast forward to eight years later and Milwaukee’s star is receiving upwards of 45 million dollars per season, and that does not include his endorsement deals.
5. Only player to win the MVP and MIP
Giannis finally had his breakout season in the 2016-17 season which landed him the Most Improved Player award that season. Fast forward to two seasons later and he won his first of two Most Valuable Player awards. Giannis is the only player to win both awards in NBA History, as it goes to show his continued hard work and improvement as a player.
6. Giannis averaged a career high in points this past season
Despite a disappointing team finish to the season, Giannis had one of if not his best regular seasons this past year. Giannis averaged a career high in points per game with 31.1 a game, which is remarkable. Giannis finished third in MVP voting, and Bucks fans should expect him to only continue his play of 30+ points per game in this upcoming season.
7. Giannis invested in a Candy Company this summer
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been very vocal about his love for candy. This past June, him and his family invested in, “Candy Funhouse”, a Canadian candy company. Giannis has shared a lot about this candy and company on social media so far this summer.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtKg-m9r7yC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
8. Giannis Served in the Military
In the summer of 2016 Giannis and his brother Thanasis completed the Greek Law that every male citizen must serve 9 months in the Hellenic Army. With the brothers being considered Greek citizens who permanently live overseas, they had a reduced term.
9. Giannis Record Finals closeout game
In Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 2021 the Milwaukee Bucks won the game to clinch the NBA title. Giannis scored 50 points which is a playoff career high for number 34. Not to mention he tied, Bob Pettit as the most points in a Finals closeout game of all time. Pettit achieved that in 1958.
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo contract extension deadline is creeping up
Giannis is still under contract with the Bucks fully through the 2024-25 season, but for the 2025-26 season he does have a player option, which means he can opt into that season with the Bucks or opt out to become a free agent that summer in 2025. With the national media already trying to start suggesting Giannis should leave Milwaukee, the Bucks have from September 22nd to October 23rd to sign him to a contract extension, otherwise he can become a free agent in a few seasons. It is something to keep an eye on as Bucks fans, but Giannis has shown no doubts that he would want to leave the city he brought a championship to just two seasons ago.
