A late Round 1 pick in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo made sure to carve a place for himself in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks star emerged as a breakthrough player, eventually leading his team to a title in 2021.
And while the Bucks are still trying to aim for a championship, Antetokounmpo hasn’t stopped trying his best. The 30-year-old remains mindful of his background, still using his previous struggles as fuel to drive his performance.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Uses Early Struggles To Fuel On-Court Excellence
This week, NBA on NBC debuted the long-awaited “Eye For The Game,” hosted by Austin Rivers. Antetokounmpo was in conversation with the former player, who brought up the Greek Freak’s chasedown block on Jayson Tatum in 2019.
And while Antetokounmpo remembered the moment well, he revealed there was some added motivation attached to it.
“This is my heart,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m thinking about the days in Greece where I had nothing to eat. Nobody sprints like this. No superstar sprints like this.”
Born to Nigerian immigrants in Greece, Antetokounmpo’s early life struggles are well documented. He helped his parents earn a living while growing up, eventually finding his way to basketball — and the NBA.
In fact, Antetokounmpo earned his Greek citizenship weeks before the NBA Draft took place. The Milwaukee Bucks have stood by the Greek Freak ever since, placing their faith in the talented rookie.
Fans, too, were quick to hype Antetokounmpo. Some even termed him ‘foreign LeBron James,’ finding his response to the old clip funny. Of course, a few NBA fans want the two-time NBA MVP to move out of Milwaukee, hoping for a better roster and support.
And while one can’t deny the many rumors circulating after the Bucks’ disappointing playoff exit in 2025, Antetokounmpo has remained nothing but loyal to his team and city.
Antetokounmpo Suffers an Injury Against the Cavaliers
Having said that, Antetokounmpo’s 2025-26 campaign has hit a small roadblock.
During the Bucks’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, Antetokounmpo — leading the team with 14 points in the first quarter — was sent back to the locker room.
The Bucks lost 118-106, making Antetokounmpo’s absence all the more noticeable.
“Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a low-grade left groin strain and will miss 1 to 2 weeks,” Charania reported postgame. “Positive outcome after tests on Tuesday for Antetokounmpo, who is the only player in the NBA averaging 30 points and 10 rebounds.”
Even though missing 1-2 weeks is a problem for the Bucks, one can be relieved that Antetokounmpo’s groin strain isn’t severe.
Ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 8-7 win-loss record, the Bucks will face the Philadelphia 76ers next on Thursday, November 20.