Last week, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first NBA player to openly endorse—and take direct equity in—a prediction market platform.
His Kalshi announcement, made in a five-word post on X, immediately drew criticism and vitriol from fans and media members. One podcast called it his “Breaking Bad turn.” A Yahoo Sports columnist said he had put on a “masterclass in image torching.” A conspiracy theory gained popularity that Antetokounmpo’s trade demands, betting action on Kalshi markets about his future and the shareholder announcement were all part of one large crypto-style rug pull (this theory has no legs).
Friday’s Club Sportico column looks at a wild two-week stretch for the 31-year-old. In a series of announcements and decisions, including his refusal to take ownership of trade talks involving his agent, Antetokounmpo showed a side of NBA celebrity that he once seemed immune to. Has something changed with the league’s most humble star?
Here is an excerpt from the start of that essay ✍️:
“For most of his 13-year NBA career, stardom seemed effortless for Giannis Antetokounmpo. His athleticism and versatility made him a force on the court, while his charisma and honesty made him a darling off it. Excelling from one of the league’s smallest markets, he kept a lower profile than many of his peers.
As he approaches the business end of his career, however, the Greek Freak seems to be moving more toward the archetype of the Star Athlete. And that shift entered hyper speed in the last two weeks. In that span, Antetokounmpo:
– Became a minority owner in a pro sports team ✅
– Launched a candy brand ✅
– Invested in a food delivery startup ✅
– Starred in a nationally-televised diaper ad ✅
– Angered fans with a trade deadline flirtation ✅
– Announced he was staying with a Wolf of Wall Street meme ✅
– Battled a calf strain ✅
– Bowed out of the All-Star Game ✅
– Partnered with a controversial betting company ✅
What a run!
Most of that list is standard fare for NBA stars—light work for LeBron or KD—minus that last one, which instantly put Giannis in a league of his own.”
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