Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Giannis Antetokounmpo or the “Greek Freak” is one of those names that have spurred the NBA circuit in recent times. Born in Greece to Nigerian parents, Antetokounmpo began playing basketball for the youth teams of Filathlitikos, eventually playing for their senior team. Following this, the power forward declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft in 2013, where Antetokounmpo was drafted with the 15th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, a team he has been playing for since then. He wears the No. 34 jersey.

Over his career, Antetokounmpo has been an NBA All-Star seven times. Giannis also won two successive MVP trophies in 2019 and 2020 to solidify his status as a star in the league. After multiple seasons of being heavily criticized for his failure to win a title, the power forward silenced his critics winning his first championship and Final MVP in 2021. In the 2023-24 season, he is continuing his top form, with the Bucks now a force to be reckoned with in the East.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s early life

Born in Athens to Nigerian immigrant parents, Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, in 1994, Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up in a tough environment, with his family struggling to afford the basics. He started playing basketball around age 7, finding an escape and a passion for the sport. By his mid-teens, he had left school to focus on helping provide for his family, taking odd jobs around the city.

Basketball became more than just a game for the young athlete – it was, perhaps, an opening for a better life. That once far-off dream, however, was soon realized, with Antetokounmpo’s first-round selection in the 2013 NBA draft.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wife and children

Giannis Antetokounmpo fathers three children with his fiancee Mariah Riddlesprigger: his two sons Liam, 4, and Maverick Shai, 2, and his new-born daughter Eva Brooke. He has four brothers, Francis, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex. Two of his siblings are contemporaries in the league, with Kostas securing a championship in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers and Thanasis with the Bucks in 2021.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career timeline

Drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA draft, Antetokounmpo was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team in his first season. Over the next few years, he quickly exceeded expectations, growing into a versatile scorer, lockdown defender, and facilitator all in an athletic 6’11” frame.

He broke out in his third season, averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game and earning the Most Improved Player award. In the 2019-20 season, the Greek had another one of his finer campaigns, putting up 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists to lead the Bucks to their best-ever record in the NBA. (56-17).

In 2021, Giannis delivered on his promise by spearheading the Bucks to the NBA title and earning a Finals MVP title in the process. He then went on to sign one of the largest contracts in NBA history, a 5-year $228 million extension with the Bucks.

Giannis Antetokoumpo’s major achievements

NBA Champion (2021)

NBA Finals MVP (2021)

2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)

7× NBA All-Star (2017–2023)

NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021)

5× All-NBA First Team (2019–2023)

2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018)

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)

4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022)

NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017)

NBA Most Improved Player (2017)

NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)

NBA 75th Anniversary Team

FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022)

Euroscar Player of the Year (2018)

Giannis Antetokounmpo stats

Games played – 758

Points per game – 23.1

Assists per game – 4.8

Rebounds per game – 9.7

Playoffs stats:

Games played – 79

Points per game – 26.6

Assists per game – 5.2

Rebounds per game – 12.0

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2024 net worth 

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be $70 million. In October, after much speculation, the Bucks and Giannis agreed on a massive super-max contract, which tied the ‘Greek Freak’ with the Bucks for five more years.

The deal is worth close to $228 million and the player is guaranteed the entire amount, including an opt-out in the fourth year. Notably, he currently averages a salary of approximately $45.64 million through his 10-year career in the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo contract

Here is a breakdown of his contract extension with the Bucks:

Endorsement deals of Giannis Antetokounmpo

The seven-time NBA All-Star was the 19th Highest-Paid Athlete in the World in 2020. Now, he earns over $25 million from his endorsement deals. His major endorsements include JBL, Tissot, 2K Sports, Hulu, and Nike.

Giannis Antetokounmpo foundation and charity

In 2019, Giannis and his brothers started the AntetokounBros Academy. The academy aims to help young boys and girls jump-start their professional basketball careers. Moreover, the foundation, funded by Giannis’ official sports apparel partner Nike, will run for two years in Athens.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s social media accounts