Even before he made his mark in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo was already honing his craft back in Greece. Now that the Milwaukee Bucks star has done it all in the United States, the Greek Freak teases a return to the one ball club where it all started for him,
Antetokounmpo started his career in the NBA as the Bucks’ 15th overall pick in the 2013 Draft after spending two years playing basketball in Greece. While he only played 77 games, 23 as a starter, his numbers of 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists didn’t really jump off the page.
From then on, Antetokounmpo improved exponentially until he established himself as Milwaukee’s number one option. His hard work was affirmed in 2017 when the NBA bestowed on him the Most Improved Player award. Three years later, the Greek Freak won a pair of MVPs and a Defensive Player of the Year.
His NBA journey culminated in 2021 when Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to its first championship in 50 years by defeating the Chris Paul-led Phoenix Suns in 2021. At that time, he also won his first Finals MVP by eliminating their opponents in six games.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Names Filathlitikos As 1 Greek Team He Could Join
It can’t be denied that Antetokounmpo’s legacy is already established in the NBA. But if ever he returns to Greece, there’s always the option of playing for the one team where it all started for him, as written in an article by Basketnews.
“I don’t know if I would play for Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, because I have been asked this question many times,” the 2-time NBA MVP said. “But surely if I ever came back, I’d go back to Filathlikos, where I started. When I was a kid, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos didn’t want me. Why should I join them at 38?” he asked. “Regardless of where Filathlitikos are playing, I can take them to the first division,” the Basketnews article stated.
During the 2012-13 season, the then-18 year old Antetokounmpo played 26 games for Filathlitikos. He averaged 9,5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in his final season with the team.
It’s not hard to imagine an experienced Antetokounmpo who’s out of the NBA playing for his old team and dominating their opponents. If that happens, expect Filathlitikos to become more prominent with him on the roster.
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