June 27, 2013, was a game-changing day for the Milwaukee Bucks.
On this day in 2013, a significant milestone occurred in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. They acquired a player who would go on to become a superstar and one of the most dominant forces in the NBA – Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, often called "The Greek Freak," was born to Nigerian parents on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece. He began his basketball journey in Greece, playing for Filathlitikos, a club in the Greek second division. Antetokounmpo's exceptional athleticism and skills quickly caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he declared for the 2013 NBA Draft.
During the June 27, 2013, draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Giannis Antetokounmpo as the 15th overall pick. At the time, there was a mix of excitement and curiosity surrounding the young Greek player, as he was relatively unknown to many NBA fans. However, the Bucks saw his immense potential and believed he could develop into a game-changer.
Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013-2014 season, showcasing glimpses of his exceptional talent. Standing at 6'11" with a remarkable wingspan, he possessed a unique combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. Over the years, he continued to refine his skills, working on his shooting, ball-handling, and defensive abilities.
As seasons passed, Giannis Antetokounmpo's impact on the Milwaukee Bucks grew exponentially. He became a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a Defensive Player of the Year, and led the Bucks to numerous successful campaigns. In 2021, he achieved the ultimate goal by leading the team to an NBA Championship, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Beyond his individual accolades and on-court success, Giannis Antetokounmpo's infectious personality, humility, and work ethic have endeared him to fans worldwide. His rise from a relatively unknown player to an international basketball icon has inspired countless individuals and highlighted the power of determination and perseverance.
The acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo on this day in 2013 marked a turning point for the Milwaukee Bucks. It set a new era of basketball excellence in motion, transforming the team into a championship contender and capturing the hearts of fans across Milwaukee and beyond.
Interesting facts about Giannis:
- He officially gained Greek citizenship on May 9, 2013
- He represented Greece for the first time in July 2013 with the Greek under-20 national teams at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
- His combination of size, speed and ball-handling skills led to his nickname the "Greek Freak"
- He was the first Greek to win MVP
- In 2016–17 he led the Bucks in all five major statistical categories and became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in all five statistics of total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks
- He’s a three-time All-Star
- He’s leading a team with the best record in the NBA
- He is an avid fan of the Greek club Olympiakos
