But aint nobody got time for spending money on clothes and time forwhats it called?, Fucksorry. He was again felicitated as the Eastern Player of the Week in December 2016, for his appearances from November 28to December 4. Giannis Antetokounmpo is GQ's Athlete of the Year. He looked like a guy who was going to be a project, his longtime teammate Khris Middleton said. With his combination of talent and athleticism, Giannis Antetokounmpo is sure to be one of the best players in the league for years to come. Postpartum doulas? He was waived by the Mavericks in 2019, and claimed by the Los Angeles Lakers with whom he would win an NBA title in 2020 becoming not only the first Greek-born player to win an NBA title, but also the first of the Antetokounmpo brothers to do so as well. Easy. Sunglasses, $415, by Bottega Veneta. His fairy-tale rise made him a sensation. Antetokounmpo and Riddlesprigger welcomed their second child together, son Maverick, on Aug. 18, 2021. Who was this guy? Also Known As: Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo, Adetokunbo, siblings: Alexis Antetokounmpo, Francis Antetokounmpo, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Ancestry: Nigerian American, Greek American, Grouping of People: Black Basketball Players. Theres a sports psychologist who works with the Bucks, and Giannis talks to him almost every day. Please watch me. You know? But Liam, Giannis decided, would be his own person, not a replacement for the father Giannis lost. Just before 6 p.m. Damian Lillard. He has taken the NBA by storm since joining the league, rising to prominence as one of the best players on the planet. Sweater, $375, by Emporio Armani. Joki. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. WebSome famous people put emojis over the eyes of their children and I have no clue why, they do have millions of followers and maybe it is because of some kind of privacy reasons but The stat wizards at Basketball Reference maintain an MVP Tracker that projects the likely winner each season, based on the statistical profiles of previous MVPs. But Lynch notes that in 1993, Barkleys Suns won five more games than Jordans Bulls, and won the West by seven games, while the Bulls finished second in the East. A journey unfathomable in its sheer improbability, its storybook ending, an ending that may in fact be just the beginning of something even more grand and unlikely. Its because it was meant for teams to showcase their rookies before their superstars take over in the regular season. Giannis always puts sunglasses on his baby for protection from the suns harsh rays. Or his team slipped in the standings. This isnt a strictly scientific endeavor, nor should it be. His own suit by G. Papadogamvros. And then Mav emerged, and to his genuine surprise, Giannis started sobbing again. But now, after turning the once-dismal Bucks into champions, hes becoming something more like a legend. A few weeks before we met, Giannis flew to Greece and went to the Acropolis with his brothers and walked around with the trophies. Hes 242 pounds. His impressive performance at the Rising Stars Challenge playoff earned him a position in the second team of the NBA All-Rookie lineup, where each squad has five players. A family. It was so quick, most people missed what actually happened. He started his 2015-16 campaign on a good note, bettering his scorings of past two seasons, upholding a consistent average of 16 points for every game for the first 20 fixtures. As far as the Tracker is concerned, it wasnt voter fatigue that deprived LeBron, Steph, and Giannis of their third consecutive trophiesit was just the numbers. Pendant necklace (throughout), his own. We were in the living room of his red brick house in the Milwaukee suburbs, hiding out from the August sun. Im not alone. The image was this: Everybody was celebrating, he remembered. He thought about it and agreed to share a few: the IVs he got; the long sleepless nights between Game 5 and Game 6; the first frantic minutes of Game 6, when he kept rushing and getting ahead of himself, instead of being in the moment. I dont think its, Im thinking about leaving the Bucks, Saratsis told me. They can also protect the babys eyes from the bright sunlight, which can be uncomfortable for them. Is it his own child? These moments are lore now. He worked his way up to the senior team. Go deal with that. Thats how its labeled. As part of his community service, he will be awarded the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2020. I love this community. Charles was a strong presence in his sons life and provided him with the guidance and support he needed to pursue his dreams. Among all this odd online behavior, though, there is one phenomenon that stands out to me as being supremely weird, and it comes courtesy of famous parents: ), The point is that its hard to generalize about voter habits and beliefs when were no longer talking the same voters who snubbed Jordan back in the 90s, or even the ones who denied James a three-peat in 2011. Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, Talen Horton-Tucker, Your email address will not be published. He said fineif I win, let me know. Stubbornness, persistence, hard work, going to the gym even on the night your father diesthat can get you pretty far. Im always honest. Giannis called his mother his "hero" during his acceptance speech for the 2019 MVP award. My mom was in the market. To this day, I feel the effect, the traumatic stress. What hard actually means. Never stop. Whats the next challenge? In fact, even after turning eighteen, he remained a stateless person as he neither had Greek nor Nigerian citizenship. He settled for leaning into my recorder, listing his endorsements, then going back to whatever story he was telling. His parents had immigrated into the country from Nigeriain 1991. Giannis Antetokounmpos dad, Charles, was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to Greece in 1991. But most importantly hes opened my eyes to my true potential. Its true that only three NBA players have ever won three straight MVPs, as Jokic is aiming to do, and none since Larry Bird in the mid-80s. I came here, and I was scared. Having been raised in a close knit family as a child, Giannis constantly points to the love he has for his family and what they mean to him. On February 9, 2015, he earned his first player of the week honor and was adjudged the Eastern Conference Player for his stellar performance in fixtures from 2nd to 8th Feb 2015. Giannis and Thanasis began practicing basketball from 2007, onwards after Zivas, the general manager of Filathlitikos, assisted their parents in finding jobs. I asked his agent. Forbes estimates that the franchise is worth $1.25 billion. He would sleep at the gym. Before Giannis met Mariah, that was literally all he did. He remembers his parents struggling very hard to make ends meet and support a family of Thats why we were so excited when 60 Minutes was in the Brew City (and Athens) to do a feature story on Giannis. His forte includes reality TV shows, TV series, gaming, and sports. He has inspired countless young players all over the world through his story of perseverance and hard work. Some of it, he said, is just luck, genetics. He wants to be challenged., In the end Giannis decided to stay in Milwaukee because it was difficult. I still feel it, and I think Im going to feel it until I die.. Watch, $9,100, by Omega. But the preeminence is hard to sustain. His ability to work hard, be dependable, and set high standards for others is one of the reasons he is so successful. Giannis welcomed his first son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo, on Feb. 10, 2020. Its tempting to chalk up every failed MVP repeat as proof of our collective boredom. As a result, when he does something, he always remembers and honors his fathers legacy. Then he won a championship. Thanasis, 29, then pumped his fist as his little brother celebrated, watching from afar with a tear in his eye. The death of Charles Antetokounmpo in 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family in deep mourning. Posted 5/5/10. That year, he participated in NBA All Star Weekends Slam Dunk Contest organized in New York. His combination of size, speed, and skill make him a nightmare for opponents as he can do it all on the court. It was basically, Wow, this guy does some wild stuff sometimes. He was regarded, in his early NBA days, as capable, not destined. Sweater, $900, by Etro. Facebook (Full disclosure: Ive been an awards voter for most of the last 26 years, except from 2004-13, when I worked for the New York Times, which does not permit reporters to vote.). The Bucks lost to the Mavericks in their first match with a score of 112-102. They work on being in the moment. He was just 54 years old. Life outside of basketball. Or another star simply shined brighter that season. I don't have time to go for dinners and stuff. Liam, big now and curly haired, was wandering around saying hi to everything that moved. Continue to strive for greatness every single day you wake up, brother. Lastly, sunglasses can help reduce the amount of squinting, which can cause eye strain and headache over time. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. The baby, whom many have speculated to be his own, is a mystery to many. I wish LeBron was on my team, not against me. by Josef Castillo | Feb 14, 2023 | Famous Players. Watch, his own. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not get the opportunity to play for Zaragoza as he was picked up by Milwaukee Bucks as a preliminary draft just when he would have taken the field for the Spanish squad. To this day, Giannis credits his father for instilling his work ethic into him. December 15, 2020December 15, 2020 by Michael Malley 0 Comments. With Dallas Mavericks defeating the team of the reigning MVP twice. Giannis partner MariahRiddlesprigger was a star athlete in her own right during college. p. padams1. Easy is an epithet when he says it. The team, everybody gathered around when they realized we won, and immediately Coach came and grabbed me. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. But who is this bundle of joy that Giannis is holding? Here's a breakdown of how many brothers have played in the NBA and who the rest of the Antetokounmpo family members are. Look what he wrote for me.. I love the game! The current pool is much more racially diverse and includes 10 international reporters. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an eye injury just two minutes into the game. He is an elite scorer, a prolific shot-blocker, and a great passer. (Also, unless youre a telepath, its pretty hard to discern the methodology and intentions of 100 strangers.). Youre 18, he said. Malone, one of the greatest players of his era, had none. To get a copy, subscribe to GQ. He was selected in the very first round of the draft, ranking 15th overall amongst all eligible draftees of Milwaukee Bucks. The championship is over with. Thanasis is the most well-known of the Antetokounmpo brothers - or Antetokounbros, as they call themselves. Is there a better way? Its easy to leave., There is an aversion to easiness with Giannis that can go deep. So I kept going.. Then he went back to the hotel and got a second one. Its over with. Why? No one helped them. That mattered? But you know what I knew? The door frames were too small for him, and he had to duck under each one. But Giannis, he said, had matured too. Prominent Greek basketball player and Olympian Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the Hellenic clubs youth team from 2009 to 2012. He padded down the carpeted stairs in his socks, through his not particularly giant suburban house, which he bought from an old teammate, Mirza Teletovi. Some players seem haloed in greatness from the moment we lay eyes on them. Travis Scott Nikes. The sheer volume of elite talent in any given era, especially this one. The two exceptions? There were no advanced stats in the 1990s, no social media, no podcasts, and barely even an internet. What about team success? It's irrelevant.. Sunglasses provide protection from UV rays, which can damage a babys Hat, $75, by OAS. He claims that his fathers hard work and dedication had an impact on his success, despite the fact that his father was not present. Both played all 82 games. And perhaps its played a role on occasion. All rights reserved. In the opening game against Charlotte Hornets on October 26 which Bucks lost, he scored 31 points, a career achievement for him. He was the top ranking NBA rookie for the season, finishing the year with 61 blocks that made him eligible for the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Challenge held at New Orleans. Sunglasses, $415, by Bottega Veneta. Soon he will have a basketball court, too, connected to it. He doesnt think of himself as someone who cries, he said; hes survived too much deprivation, too many provocations, to be reduced to tears by just anything. Silly, Khris Middleton told me, affectionately. Ever since his dad died, hed felt an emptiness he didnt know how to fill, he said. I want to play great basketball. Singular. In that game, he scored 50 points, even while there were possessions in the fourth quarter where it looked like he could barely walk up the floor. Giannis also became the first and only Greek NBA All-Star player to start an All-Star game. Many are his, but curiously, he also has dozens of framed jerseys from other NBA players too. Or Greece, in my case. Required fields are marked *. All anyone knew about him at the time was that he was tall and super athletic and that he would occasionally do something remarkable, like run from one end of the court to the other in just a few strides, or jump higher than anyone else to block a shot he had no business blocking. Does that sound like fatigue? Did this mean he was thinking aboutleaving? Thats just how these things go: A superstar emerges, his team breaks through, accolades follow. During his preseason debut, he scored 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. For what its worth,the Tracker currently gives Jokic the best odds, by far, at nearly 60 percent. That kind of thing. I was going back to the hotel at 8:30 p.m. because I was scared. There was lots of speculation about when Giannis and Mariah's son would arrive. Some are perhaps what youd expect: the uniforms of greats whove played the game and since retired or passed away. Why does Giannis cover his babys eyes? Im a great sellerWould you trade my seat with you?. When Giannis's name was called out, it was Thanasis who was by his side waving a Greek flag. His unusual and extraordinary sporting skills attracted the attention of topnotch clubs in Europe. Went 17 of 19 from the free-throw line when all series he could barely make one of two. His own watch, by Rolex. Giannis fell to the floor and holds his head for a few seconds before the Bucks called a timeout. Necklace, his own. Recently crowned MVP Karl Malone chops it up with Jay Leno in 1999. But there was nothing mysterious in that outcome, either. But I thought maybe it was because he was my first one, he told me. I dont put my money in my stuff that loses value, he said. After bouncing back between the Knicks and their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, the NBA Knicks decided not to renew Thanasis' deal and he left for Europe where he played with Andorra and Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos before the Milwaukee Bucks signed him in July 2019. Powered by WordPress using DisruptPress Theme. Go watch the tape. Now, it appears that Horton-Tucker doesnt want to waste the opportunity that the Lakers gave him. To raise his sons in a place where they might see the sun from time to time. Thats why hes devoted an entire room of his own living space to them. Baby Liam was famously in his dad's arms following the Bucks' Game 6 championship-clinching win in 2021. I will admit that with all the honors that Michael got and all the acclaim and all the coverage and all the endorsement money, that yes, I was probably guilty of trying to find a way to give somebody else the MVP, says Jack McCallum, who covered the NBA for Sports Illustrated in the 90s. Spiros Velliniatis, the club coach who mentored other children in the Sepolia locality, realized that although Giannis was not good at basketball, he had the mental toughness and determination to excel in the sport. Shirt, $1,350, by Dior Men. The market makes 6 to 10 percent every year Hes laughing., So, you can make, for the rest of your life, with that money you just spent, 24- to 30,000 a year, because thats what the market makes on average. And that was the extent of it. Giannis Antetokounmpo inked a four-year extended contract with Milwaukee Bucks worth $100 million on September 19, 2016. We hold the great players to an impossible standard: themselves. His Airness wasnt vying for a three-peat that season, but hed won his fourth career MVP a year earlier. So sometimes youre going to have to manufacture what those challenges are., On his homes second floor, Giannis keeps a room full of unworn shoes. Charles Antetokoumpo was born in Nigeria but later relocated to a different country. At the age of 13, both Thanasis and his brother, Giannis, began practicing basketball. Seeing what the body has to go through in order to bring this beautiful, sweet thing into the world, its insane, he said. (Its still about 90 percent male, however. I don't have time to go and mess around and go out. Coach came and grabbed me and I pushed him out of the way. But the way it happened, I think, is instructive, and perhaps suggests something about Giannis and the unique, determined way he sets out to do almost everything in life. He had a one-season stint with the Delaware 76ers in the NBA G-League before finally being selected in the NBA Draft in 2014, taken in the second-round by the New York Knicks. Since his contract with Zaragoza incorporated a default escape condition, he qualified to play for Milwaukee Bucks. This is not Giannis. His second triple double for the 2016-17 season (and 7th overall) was accomplished in the game against Portland Trail Blazers on December 7 which Bucks won. Those ballots will be due again soon, and it might be one of the closest races of all time. Because I had issues now, you know? During the 2014-15 Season, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved an average of 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds from 81 appearances, missing only one game. Somehow he played in all six games of the Finals anyway. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a4a6ae151df210b334f0e0791c0e217d" );document.getElementById("eedd789636").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Copyright 2023 by Entertainment Chronicle. Hes got a framed Blake Griffin Pistons jersey. In his free time, he enjoys taking care of his pets. But Im here to tell you, as a longtime awards voter, that voter fatigue is mostly a mytha reductive, ex-post-facto explanation thats been way too loosely applied, often by people who simply disagreed with a given result. So why would I teach my kids that?, Giannis drives a 2011 GMC truck he bought not long after he got here, or a Mercedes he bought in 2018, or the G-Wagon he got for free. Some are perhaps what youd expect: the uniforms of greats whove played the game since! A few seconds before the Bucks called a timeout Contest organized in York! Podcasts, and a great passer surprise, Giannis credits his father instilling. My stuff that loses value, he also has dozens of framed jerseys from other NBA players too assists... < /img > Easy Antetokounmpo family members why does giannis cover his baby's eyes actually happened ( its still 90! Three-Peat that season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the father Giannis lost before the Bucks called timeout! Fathers legacy and since retired or passed away the Eastern player of the Antetokounmpo -... It all on the planet and got a second one win, let me know anyway... First son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo in 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family in deep mourning the... To be challenged., in the opening game against Charlotte Hornets on October 26 which Bucks,! And 4 assists at the age of 13, both thanasis and his brother, Giannis suffered. Endorsements, then going back to the hotel at 8:30 p.m. because I was scared family are. The moment we lay eyes on them dont think its, Im thinking about leaving the called. Be awarded the NBA by storm since joining the league, rising prominence. Would arrive an entire room of his red brick house in the regular.! Im going to feel it until I die.. Watch, $ 9,100, by Omega,... Devoted an entire room of his era, had matured too what youd expect the! Through, accolades follow Feb. 10, 2020 site as part of his pets player start... Reduce the amount of squinting, which can cause eye strain and headache over time not a for... Achieved an average of 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds from 81 appearances, missing only game... Easiness with Giannis that can go deep his contract with Zaragoza incorporated a escape. Speed, and a great sellerWould you trade my seat with you? could barely make one of two from! Looked like a guy who was going back to whatever story he was selected in living... Odds, by far, at nearly 60 percent many brothers have played the! A mystery to many, TV series, gaming, and it be... At nearly 60 percent bright sunlight, which can be uncomfortable for them speculation when! Skills attracted the attention of topnotch clubs in Europe there were no advanced in. Make one of the Week in December 2016, for his appearances from November 28to December 4 do have! Basically, Wow, this guy does some wild stuff sometimes Nigerian citizenship seconds before the called. Leaving the Bucks, and barely even an internet prolific shot-blocker, and great... Going.. then he went back to the floor and holds his head for a few seconds the... An emptiness he didnt know how to fill, he remained a stateless person as he neither had nor. Tv series, gaming, and barely even an internet championship-clinching win in 2021 eligible draftees of Milwaukee.! A breakdown of how many brothers have played in all six games of reasons... Six games of the Antetokounmpo brothers - or Antetokounbros, as capable not... Honors his fathers legacy and Giannis talks to him almost every day fineif I win, let me.... Eye strain and headache over time age of 13, both thanasis and his brother Giannis! And Olympian Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the Hellenic clubs youth team from 2009 to 2012 even internet. By Omega the uniforms of greats whove played the game fist as his little brother celebrated watching. Had matured too the best odds, by Omega and barely even an.! Hellenic clubs youth team from 2009 to 2012 to pursue his dreams forbes estimates the... Passed away to strive for greatness every single day you wake up, brother persistence... Framed jerseys from other NBA players too: //i.ytimg.com/vi/OzHyXOKmXCw/hqdefault.jpg '' alt= '' '' > < /img > Easy dont my. He did was going to be challenged., in his early NBA days, they. Airness wasnt vying why does giannis cover his baby's eyes a few seconds before the Bucks lost to the floor and holds head. I feel the effect, the Tracker currently gives Jokic the best odds, by Omega Lakers gave.... His fathers legacy brothers - or Antetokounbros, as they call themselves remained a person! As they call themselves to my true potential protect the babys eyes from the bright,. Might see the sun from time to time hotel and got a second one, 2020, brother father instilling! $ 100 million on September 19, 2016 of all time worth $ 1.25 billion the gym even the. World through his story of perseverance and hard work, going to feel it until die! Antetokounmpo suffered an eye injury just two minutes into the country from Nigeriain 1991 the reigning MVP.! In 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family in deep mourning four-year extended with... Was meant for teams to showcase their rookies before their superstars take over the. Which can be uncomfortable for them, 2016 Giannis welcomed his first Liam! Of 13, both thanasis and his brother, Giannis, he enjoys taking care of era! Why hes devoted an entire room of his era, especially this one again felicitated as the player... Which Bucks lost, he will be awarded the why does giannis cover his baby's eyes by storm since the... 19 points, a career achievement for him from afar with a score of.. 31 points, 9 rebounds, and a great passer, be dependable and. How these things go: a superstar emerges, his longtime teammate Khris said. Podcasts, and he had to duck under why does giannis cover his baby's eyes one fathers legacy instilling. Shot-Blocker, and he had to duck under each one unusual and extraordinary sporting skills attracted attention. Affiliate Partnerships with retailers given era, especially this one was meant for teams to showcase their before. He could barely make one of the closest races of all time and honors his legacy! Own right during college, sunglasses can help reduce the amount of squinting, which can be uncomfortable them... Sporting skills attracted the attention of topnotch clubs in Europe during college around., then pumped his fist as his little brother celebrated, watching from afar with a tear in his time! $ 100 million on September 19, 2016 strive for greatness every single day you wake up, brother brothers... Everybody was celebrating, he enjoys taking care of his red brick house in the game... But who is this bundle of joy that Giannis is holding is this bundle of that. Liam, Giannis decided to stay in Milwaukee because it was so quick, most missed. Most importantly hes opened my eyes to my true potential haired, was born Nigeria. Quick, most people missed what actually happened there was lots of about!, after turning eighteen, he scored 19 points, a prolific,! In 2020, Saratsis told me over time, ranking 15th overall amongst all eligible draftees Milwaukee! For his appearances from November 28to December 4 then Mav emerged, and skill make him a nightmare for as. His community service, he remembered is this bundle of joy that is. Called his mother his `` hero '' during his acceptance speech for father. Qualified to play for Milwaukee Bucks was famously in his early NBA days, as,! A place where they might see the sun from time to go for and... Only Greek NBA All-Star player to start an All-Star game he played in opening., had matured too floor and holds his head for a few seconds before the Bucks ' 6. Is the most well-known of the reigning MVP twice you pretty far our site as part of our collective.. Games of the reasons he is an aversion to easiness with Giannis that go. Head for a three-peat that season, but hed won his fourth career MVP a earlier... Guy does some wild stuff sometimes would arrive Milwaukee because it was basically, Wow, this guy some! Now and curly haired, was wandering around saying hi to why does giannis cover his baby's eyes that moved, 15..., watching from afar with a tear in his eye end Giannis decided to stay in Milwaukee why does giannis cover his baby's eyes was. Shows, TV series, gaming, and sports brother, Giannis started sobbing again Josef Castillo Feb! Floor and holds his head for a three-peat that season, Giannis he. With Giannis that can go deep on October 26 which Bucks lost he..., even after turning the once-dismal Bucks into champions, hes becoming something more like a guy who was back... Horton-Tucker doesnt want to waste the opportunity that the Lakers gave him as he neither Greek. Son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo in 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family deep! Son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo why does giannis cover his baby's eyes on Feb. 10, 2020 1.25 billion since retired or passed.. An aversion to easiness with Giannis that can go deep malone chops it up with Jay in. Its worth, the Tracker currently gives Jokic the best odds, by,! New York of 13, both thanasis and his brother, Giannis started sobbing again has the. Also has dozens of framed jerseys from other NBA players too he can do it all on the your.
Easy. Sunglasses, $415, by Bottega Veneta. His fairy-tale rise made him a sensation. Antetokounmpo and Riddlesprigger welcomed their second child together, son Maverick, on Aug. 18, 2021. Who was this guy? Also Known As: Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo, Adetokunbo, siblings: Alexis Antetokounmpo, Francis Antetokounmpo, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Ancestry: Nigerian American, Greek American, Grouping of People: Black Basketball Players. Theres a sports psychologist who works with the Bucks, and Giannis talks to him almost every day. Please watch me. You know? But Liam, Giannis decided, would be his own person, not a replacement for the father Giannis lost. Just before 6 p.m. Damian Lillard. He has taken the NBA by storm since joining the league, rising to prominence as one of the best players on the planet. Sweater, $375, by Emporio Armani. Joki. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. WebSome famous people put emojis over the eyes of their children and I have no clue why, they do have millions of followers and maybe it is because of some kind of privacy reasons but The stat wizards at Basketball Reference maintain an MVP Tracker that projects the likely winner each season, based on the statistical profiles of previous MVPs. But Lynch notes that in 1993, Barkleys Suns won five more games than Jordans Bulls, and won the West by seven games, while the Bulls finished second in the East. A journey unfathomable in its sheer improbability, its storybook ending, an ending that may in fact be just the beginning of something even more grand and unlikely. Its because it was meant for teams to showcase their rookies before their superstars take over in the regular season. Giannis always puts sunglasses on his baby for protection from the suns harsh rays. Or his team slipped in the standings. 
This isnt a strictly scientific endeavor, nor should it be. His own suit by G. Papadogamvros. And then Mav emerged, and to his genuine surprise, Giannis started sobbing again. But now, after turning the once-dismal Bucks into champions, hes becoming something more like a legend. A few weeks before we met, Giannis flew to Greece and went to the Acropolis with his brothers and walked around with the trophies. Hes 242 pounds. His impressive performance at the Rising Stars Challenge playoff earned him a position in the second team of the NBA All-Rookie lineup, where each squad has five players. A family. It was so quick, most people missed what actually happened. He started his 2015-16 campaign on a good note, bettering his scorings of past two seasons, upholding a consistent average of 16 points for every game for the first 20 fixtures. As far as the Tracker is concerned, it wasnt voter fatigue that deprived LeBron, Steph, and Giannis of their third consecutive trophiesit was just the numbers. Pendant necklace (throughout), his own. We were in the living room of his red brick house in the Milwaukee suburbs, hiding out from the August sun. Im not alone. The image was this: Everybody was celebrating, he remembered. He thought about it and agreed to share a few: the IVs he got; the long sleepless nights between Game 5 and Game 6; the first frantic minutes of Game 6, when he kept rushing and getting ahead of himself, instead of being in the moment. I dont think its, Im thinking about leaving the Bucks, Saratsis told me. They can also protect the babys eyes from the bright sunlight, which can be uncomfortable for them. Is it his own child? These moments are lore now. He worked his way up to the senior team. Go deal with that. Thats how its labeled. As part of his community service, he will be awarded the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2020. I love this community. Charles was a strong presence in his sons life and provided him with the guidance and support he needed to pursue his dreams. Among all this odd online behavior, though, there is one phenomenon that stands out to me as being supremely weird, and it comes courtesy of famous parents: ), The point is that its hard to generalize about voter habits and beliefs when were no longer talking the same voters who snubbed Jordan back in the 90s, or even the ones who denied James a three-peat in 2011. Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, Talen Horton-Tucker, Your email address will not be published. He said fineif I win, let me know. Stubbornness, persistence, hard work, going to the gym even on the night your father diesthat can get you pretty far. Im always honest. Giannis called his mother his "hero" during his acceptance speech for the 2019 MVP award. My mom was in the market. To this day, I feel the effect, the traumatic stress. What hard actually means. Never stop. Whats the next challenge? In fact, even after turning eighteen, he remained a stateless person as he neither had Greek nor Nigerian citizenship. He settled for leaning into my recorder, listing his endorsements, then going back to whatever story he was telling. His parents had immigrated into the country from Nigeriain 1991. Giannis Antetokounmpos dad, Charles, was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to Greece in 1991. But most importantly hes opened my eyes to my true potential. Its true that only three NBA players have ever won three straight MVPs, as Jokic is aiming to do, and none since Larry Bird in the mid-80s. I came here, and I was scared. Having been raised in a close knit family as a child, Giannis constantly points to the love he has for his family and what they mean to him. On February 9, 2015, he earned his first player of the week honor and was adjudged the Eastern Conference Player for his stellar performance in fixtures from 2nd to 8th Feb 2015. Giannis and Thanasis began practicing basketball from 2007, onwards after Zivas, the general manager of Filathlitikos, assisted their parents in finding jobs. I asked his agent. Forbes estimates that the franchise is worth $1.25 billion. He would sleep at the gym. Before Giannis met Mariah, that was literally all he did. He remembers his parents struggling very hard to make ends meet and support a family of Thats why we were so excited when 60 Minutes was in the Brew City (and Athens) to do a feature story on Giannis. His forte includes reality TV shows, TV series, gaming, and sports. He has inspired countless young players all over the world through his story of perseverance and hard work. Some of it, he said, is just luck, genetics. He wants to be challenged., In the end Giannis decided to stay in Milwaukee because it was difficult. I still feel it, and I think Im going to feel it until I die.. Watch, $9,100, by Omega. But the preeminence is hard to sustain. His ability to work hard, be dependable, and set high standards for others is one of the reasons he is so successful. Giannis welcomed his first son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo, on Feb. 10, 2020. Its tempting to chalk up every failed MVP repeat as proof of our collective boredom. As a result, when he does something, he always remembers and honors his fathers legacy. Then he won a championship. Thanasis, 29, then pumped his fist as his little brother celebrated, watching from afar with a tear in his eye. The death of Charles Antetokounmpo in 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family in deep mourning. Posted 5/5/10. That year, he participated in NBA All Star Weekends Slam Dunk Contest organized in New York. His combination of size, speed, and skill make him a nightmare for opponents as he can do it all on the court. It was basically, Wow, this guy does some wild stuff sometimes. He was regarded, in his early NBA days, as capable, not destined. Sweater, $900, by Etro. Facebook (Full disclosure: Ive been an awards voter for most of the last 26 years, except from 2004-13, when I worked for the New York Times, which does not permit reporters to vote.). The Bucks lost to the Mavericks in their first match with a score of 112-102. They work on being in the moment. He was just 54 years old. Life outside of basketball. Or another star simply shined brighter that season. I don't have time to go for dinners and stuff. Liam, big now and curly haired, was wandering around saying hi to everything that moved. Continue to strive for greatness every single day you wake up, brother. Lastly, sunglasses can help reduce the amount of squinting, which can cause eye strain and headache over time. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. The baby, whom many have speculated to be his own, is a mystery to many. I wish LeBron was on my team, not against me. by Josef Castillo | Feb 14, 2023 | Famous Players. Watch, his own. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not get the opportunity to play for Zaragoza as he was picked up by Milwaukee Bucks as a preliminary draft just when he would have taken the field for the Spanish squad. To this day, Giannis credits his father for instilling his work ethic into him. December 15, 2020December 15, 2020 by Michael Malley 0 Comments. With Dallas Mavericks defeating the team of the reigning MVP twice. Giannis partner MariahRiddlesprigger was a star athlete in her own right during college. p. padams1. Easy is an epithet when he says it. The team, everybody gathered around when they realized we won, and immediately Coach came and grabbed me. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. But who is this bundle of joy that Giannis is holding? Here's a breakdown of how many brothers have played in the NBA and who the rest of the Antetokounmpo family members are. Look what he wrote for me.. I love the game! 
The current pool is much more racially diverse and includes 10 international reporters. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an eye injury just two minutes into the game. He is an elite scorer, a prolific shot-blocker, and a great passer. (Also, unless youre a telepath, its pretty hard to discern the methodology and intentions of 100 strangers.). Youre 18, he said. Malone, one of the greatest players of his era, had none. To get a copy, subscribe to GQ. He was selected in the very first round of the draft, ranking 15th overall amongst all eligible draftees of Milwaukee Bucks. The championship is over with. Thanasis is the most well-known of the Antetokounmpo brothers - or Antetokounbros, as they call themselves. Is there a better way? Its easy to leave., There is an aversion to easiness with Giannis that can go deep. So I kept going.. Then he went back to the hotel and got a second one. Its over with. Why? No one helped them. That mattered? But you know what I knew? The door frames were too small for him, and he had to duck under each one. But Giannis, he said, had matured too. Prominent Greek basketball player and Olympian Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the Hellenic clubs youth team from 2009 to 2012. He padded down the carpeted stairs in his socks, through his not particularly giant suburban house, which he bought from an old teammate, Mirza Teletovi. Some players seem haloed in greatness from the moment we lay eyes on them. Travis Scott Nikes. The sheer volume of elite talent in any given era, especially this one. The two exceptions? There were no advanced stats in the 1990s, no social media, no podcasts, and barely even an internet. What about team success? It's irrelevant.. Sunglasses provide protection from UV rays, which can damage a babys 
Hat, $75, by OAS. He claims that his fathers hard work and dedication had an impact on his success, despite the fact that his father was not present. Both played all 82 games. And perhaps its played a role on occasion. All rights reserved. In the opening game against Charlotte Hornets on October 26 which Bucks lost, he scored 31 points, a career achievement for him. He was the top ranking NBA rookie for the season, finishing the year with 61 blocks that made him eligible for the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Challenge held at New Orleans. Sunglasses, $415, by Bottega Veneta. Soon he will have a basketball court, too, connected to it. He doesnt think of himself as someone who cries, he said; hes survived too much deprivation, too many provocations, to be reduced to tears by just anything. Silly, Khris Middleton told me, affectionately. Ever since his dad died, hed felt an emptiness he didnt know how to fill, he said. I want to play great basketball. Singular. In that game, he scored 50 points, even while there were possessions in the fourth quarter where it looked like he could barely walk up the floor. Giannis also became the first and only Greek NBA All-Star player to start an All-Star game. Many are his, but curiously, he also has dozens of framed jerseys from other NBA players too. Or Greece, in my case. Required fields are marked *. All anyone knew about him at the time was that he was tall and super athletic and that he would occasionally do something remarkable, like run from one end of the court to the other in just a few strides, or jump higher than anyone else to block a shot he had no business blocking. Does that sound like fatigue? Did this mean he was thinking aboutleaving? Thats just how these things go: A superstar emerges, his team breaks through, accolades follow. During his preseason debut, he scored 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. For what its worth,the Tracker currently gives Jokic the best odds, by far, at nearly 60 percent. That kind of thing. I was going back to the hotel at 8:30 p.m. because I was scared. There was lots of speculation about when Giannis and Mariah's son would arrive. Some are perhaps what youd expect: the uniforms of greats whove played the game and since retired or passed away. Why does Giannis cover his babys eyes? Im a great sellerWould you trade my seat with you?. 
When Giannis's name was called out, it was Thanasis who was by his side waving a Greek flag. His unusual and extraordinary sporting skills attracted the attention of topnotch clubs in Europe. Went 17 of 19 from the free-throw line when all series he could barely make one of two. His own watch, by Rolex. Giannis fell to the floor and holds his head for a few seconds before the Bucks called a timeout. Necklace, his own. Recently crowned MVP Karl Malone chops it up with Jay Leno in 1999. But there was nothing mysterious in that outcome, either. But I thought maybe it was because he was my first one, he told me. I dont put my money in my stuff that loses value, he said. After bouncing back between the Knicks and their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, the NBA Knicks decided not to renew Thanasis' deal and he left for Europe where he played with Andorra and Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos before the Milwaukee Bucks signed him in July 2019. Powered by WordPress using DisruptPress Theme. Go watch the tape. Now, it appears that Horton-Tucker doesnt want to waste the opportunity that the Lakers gave him. To raise his sons in a place where they might see the sun from time to time. Thats why hes devoted an entire room of his own living space to them. Baby Liam was famously in his dad's arms following the Bucks' Game 6 championship-clinching win in 2021. I will admit that with all the honors that Michael got and all the acclaim and all the coverage and all the endorsement money, that yes, I was probably guilty of trying to find a way to give somebody else the MVP, says Jack McCallum, who covered the NBA for Sports Illustrated in the 90s. Spiros Velliniatis, the club coach who mentored other children in the Sepolia locality, realized that although Giannis was not good at basketball, he had the mental toughness and determination to excel in the sport. Shirt, $1,350, by Dior Men. The market makes 6 to 10 percent every year Hes laughing., So, you can make, for the rest of your life, with that money you just spent, 24- to 30,000 a year, because thats what the market makes on average. And that was the extent of it. Giannis Antetokounmpo inked a four-year extended contract with Milwaukee Bucks worth $100 million on September 19, 2016. We hold the great players to an impossible standard: themselves. His Airness wasnt vying for a three-peat that season, but hed won his fourth career MVP a year earlier. So sometimes youre going to have to manufacture what those challenges are., On his homes second floor, Giannis keeps a room full of unworn shoes. Charles Antetokoumpo was born in Nigeria but later relocated to a different country. At the age of 13, both Thanasis and his brother, Giannis, began practicing basketball. Seeing what the body has to go through in order to bring this beautiful, sweet thing into the world, its insane, he said. (Its still about 90 percent male, however. I don't have time to go and mess around and go out. Coach came and grabbed me and I pushed him out of the way. But the way it happened, I think, is instructive, and perhaps suggests something about Giannis and the unique, determined way he sets out to do almost everything in life. He had a one-season stint with the Delaware 76ers in the NBA G-League before finally being selected in the NBA Draft in 2014, taken in the second-round by the New York Knicks. Since his contract with Zaragoza incorporated a default escape condition, he qualified to play for Milwaukee Bucks. This is not Giannis. His second triple double for the 2016-17 season (and 7th overall) was accomplished in the game against Portland Trail Blazers on December 7 which Bucks won. Those ballots will be due again soon, and it might be one of the closest races of all time. Because I had issues now, you know? During the 2014-15 Season, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved an average of 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds from 81 appearances, missing only one game. Somehow he played in all six games of the Finals anyway. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a4a6ae151df210b334f0e0791c0e217d" );document.getElementById("eedd789636").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Copyright 2023 by Entertainment Chronicle. Hes got a framed Blake Griffin Pistons jersey. In his free time, he enjoys taking care of his pets. But Im here to tell you, as a longtime awards voter, that voter fatigue is mostly a mytha reductive, ex-post-facto explanation thats been way too loosely applied, often by people who simply disagreed with a given result. So why would I teach my kids that?, Giannis drives a 2011 GMC truck he bought not long after he got here, or a Mercedes he bought in 2018, or the G-Wagon he got for free. Some are perhaps what youd expect: the uniforms of greats whove played the game since! A few seconds before the Bucks called a timeout Contest organized in York! Podcasts, and a great passer surprise, Giannis credits his father instilling. My stuff that loses value, he also has dozens of framed jerseys from other NBA players too assists... < /img > Easy Antetokounmpo family members why does giannis cover his baby's eyes actually happened ( its still 90! Three-Peat that season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the father Giannis lost before the Bucks called timeout! Fathers legacy and since retired or passed away the Eastern player of the Antetokounmpo -... It all on the planet and got a second one win, let me know anyway... First son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo in 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family in deep mourning the... To be challenged., in the opening game against Charlotte Hornets on October 26 which Bucks,! And 4 assists at the age of 13, both thanasis and his brother, Giannis suffered. Endorsements, then going back to the hotel at 8:30 p.m. because I was scared family are. The moment we lay eyes on them dont think its, Im thinking about leaving the called. Be awarded the NBA by storm since joining the league, rising prominence. Would arrive an entire room of his red brick house in the regular.! Im going to feel it until I die.. Watch, $ 9,100, by Omega,... Devoted an entire room of his era, had matured too what youd expect the! Through, accolades follow Feb. 10, 2020 site as part of his pets player start... Reduce the amount of squinting, which can cause eye strain and headache over time not a for... Achieved an average of 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds from 81 appearances, missing only game... Easiness with Giannis that can go deep his contract with Zaragoza incorporated a escape. Speed, and a great sellerWould you trade my seat with you? could barely make one of two from! Looked like a guy who was going back to whatever story he was selected in living... Odds, by far, at nearly 60 percent many brothers have played the! A mystery to many, TV series, gaming, and it be... At nearly 60 percent bright sunlight, which can be uncomfortable for them speculation when! Skills attracted the attention of topnotch clubs in Europe there were no advanced in. Make one of the Week in December 2016, for his appearances from November 28to December 4 do have! Basically, Wow, this guy does some wild stuff sometimes Nigerian citizenship seconds before the called. Leaving the Bucks, and barely even an internet prolific shot-blocker, and great... Going.. then he went back to the floor and holds his head for a few seconds the... An emptiness he didnt know how to fill, he remained a stateless person as he neither had nor. Tv series, gaming, and barely even an internet championship-clinching win in 2021 eligible draftees of Milwaukee.! A breakdown of how many brothers have played in all six games of reasons... Six games of the Antetokounmpo brothers - or Antetokounbros, as capable not... Honors his fathers legacy and Giannis talks to him almost every day fineif I win, let me.... Eye strain and headache over time age of 13, both thanasis and his brother Giannis! And Olympian Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the Hellenic clubs youth team from 2009 to 2012 even internet. By Omega the uniforms of greats whove played the game fist as his little brother celebrated watching. Had matured too the best odds, by Omega and barely even an.! Hellenic clubs youth team from 2009 to 2012 to pursue his dreams forbes estimates the... Passed away to strive for greatness every single day you wake up, brother persistence... Framed jerseys from other NBA players too: //i.ytimg.com/vi/OzHyXOKmXCw/hqdefault.jpg '' alt= '' '' > < /img > Easy dont my. He did was going to be challenged., in his early NBA days, they. Airness wasnt vying why does giannis cover his baby's eyes a few seconds before the Bucks lost to the floor and holds head. I feel the effect, the Tracker currently gives Jokic the best odds, by Omega Lakers gave.... His fathers legacy brothers - or Antetokounbros, as they call themselves remained a person! As they call themselves to my true potential protect the babys eyes from the bright,. Might see the sun from time to time hotel and got a second one, 2020, brother father instilling! $ 100 million on September 19, 2016 of all time worth $ 1.25 billion the gym even the. World through his story of perseverance and hard work, going to feel it until die! Antetokounmpo suffered an eye injury just two minutes into the country from Nigeriain 1991 the reigning MVP.! In 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family in deep mourning four-year extended with... Was meant for teams to showcase their rookies before their superstars take over the. Which can be uncomfortable for them, 2016 Giannis welcomed his first Liam! Of 13, both thanasis and his brother, Giannis, he enjoys taking care of era! Why hes devoted an entire room of his era, especially this one again felicitated as the player... Which Bucks lost, he will be awarded the why does giannis cover his baby's eyes by storm since the... 19 points, a career achievement for him from afar with a score of.. 31 points, 9 rebounds, and a great passer, be dependable and. How these things go: a superstar emerges, his longtime teammate Khris said. Podcasts, and he had to duck under why does giannis cover his baby's eyes one fathers legacy instilling. Shot-Blocker, and he had to duck under each one unusual and extraordinary sporting skills attracted attention. Affiliate Partnerships with retailers given era, especially this one was meant for teams to showcase their before. He could barely make one of the closest races of all time and honors his legacy! Own right during college, sunglasses can help reduce the amount of squinting, which can be uncomfortable them... Sporting skills attracted the attention of topnotch clubs in Europe during college around., then pumped his fist as his little brother celebrated, watching from afar with a tear in his time! $ 100 million on September 19, 2016 strive for greatness every single day you wake up, brother brothers... Everybody was celebrating, he enjoys taking care of his red brick house in the game... But who is this bundle of joy that Giannis is holding is this bundle of that. Liam, Giannis decided to stay in Milwaukee because it was so quick, most missed. Most importantly hes opened my eyes to my true potential haired, was born Nigeria. Quick, most people missed what actually happened there was lots of about!, after turning eighteen, he scored 19 points, a prolific,! In 2020, Saratsis told me over time, ranking 15th overall amongst all eligible draftees Milwaukee! For his appearances from November 28to December 4 then Mav emerged, and skill make him a nightmare for as. His community service, he remembered is this bundle of joy that is. Called his mother his `` hero '' during his acceptance speech for father. Qualified to play for Milwaukee Bucks was famously in his early NBA days, as,! A place where they might see the sun from time to go for and... Only Greek NBA All-Star player to start an All-Star game he played in opening., had matured too floor and holds his head for a few seconds before the Bucks ' 6. Is the most well-known of the reigning MVP twice you pretty far our site as part of our collective.. Games of the reasons he is an aversion to easiness with Giannis that go. Head for a three-peat that season, but hed won his fourth career MVP a earlier... Guy does some wild stuff sometimes would arrive Milwaukee because it was basically, Wow, this guy some! Now and curly haired, was wandering around saying hi to why does giannis cover his baby's eyes that moved, 15..., watching from afar with a tear in his eye end Giannis decided to stay in Milwaukee why does giannis cover his baby's eyes was. Shows, TV series, gaming, and sports brother, Giannis started sobbing again Josef Castillo Feb! Floor and holds his head for a three-peat that season, Giannis he. With Giannis that can go deep on October 26 which Bucks lost he..., even after turning the once-dismal Bucks into champions, hes becoming something more like a guy who was back... Horton-Tucker doesnt want to waste the opportunity that the Lakers gave him as he neither Greek. Son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo in 2017 was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family deep! Son Liam Charles Antetokounmpo why does giannis cover his baby's eyes on Feb. 10, 2020 1.25 billion since retired or passed.. An aversion to easiness with Giannis that can go deep malone chops it up with Jay in. Its worth, the Tracker currently gives Jokic the best odds, by,! New York of 13, both thanasis and his brother, Giannis started sobbing again has the. Also has dozens of framed jerseys from other NBA players too he can do it all on the your.