Giannis Antetokounmpo got his Greek Freak nickname on his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks because of his out-of-this-world plays and incredible speed despite his size and length. He became Bruce Lee to one particular person on his third year.
Kevin Garnett did not notice the Greek forward in his early seasons with the Bucks being a lottery team at that time. He only got to learn about the future two-time MVP in 2016 which was also the Minnesota Timberwolves legend’s last season.
Antetokounmpo was advised to bulk-up and he did, prompting the 15-time All-Star to compare him to Bruce Lee.
“It wasn’t until the third time, or I think I was a little older. I think I was in Minnesota. I think we had a preseason game against Milwaukee, and I could tell just how he looked like Bruce Lee,” Garnett said in a Youtube video posted by the Bucks social media.
“He looked super-ripped. He looked different. He wasn’t like… his posture was straight-up. He looked super.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s transition into a big man role
Antetokounmpo started his NBA career playing small forward. He also played shooting guard and point forward from time to time back then.
However, it was in the front court role where he excelled and won almost everything there is in the NBA. He is even the most efficient player in the league while producing MVP numbers.
Garnett was part of this transition as he was sought out by Giannis and then-Bucks coach Jason Kidd to mentor him after he retired.
Garnett now feels proud of what Antetokounmpo has become, just like a proud father.
“I feel proud, man. I feel like a father. You know what I’m saying? When I watch him, I’m proud. I’m happy that he’s happy,” the one-time MVP said.
Work was put in and Giannis delivered. He will now go down as among the greatest power forwards in the league, an elite club that Garnett also belongs to.
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