Giannis has garnered widespread acclaim before hitting the age of 30, securing back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. His prowess reached its zenith in 2021 when he clinched his first championship ring and the prestigious Finals MVP honours. Additionally, over his illustrious 10-season career in the league, Giannis has earned seven All-Star selections, solidifying his status as a basketball luminary.
The Milwaukee Bucks made a pivotal decision in the 2013 NBA Draft when they chose Antetokounmpo, an 18-year-old who, at the time, showcased his skills in clubs in Spain and the Greek League. Although he entered the league with a slender build and stood at 6-foot-11, the potential of this young forward was nothing short of extraordinary.
As Antetokounmpo gradually adapted to the NBA over the years, he transformed into a formidable force. By his fourth season with the Bucks, he consistently scored over 20 points per game, and the following season saw him surpassing ten rebounds per contest. Remarkably, since the 2017-2018 season, "The Greek Freak" has maintained an impressive streak of averaging 25+ points and 10+ rebounds each season, currently the longest active such streak in the NBA, according to Statmuse.
His accomplishments have earned him a multitude of accolades. Antetokounmpo has been a fixture at the NBA All-Star games since 2017, even captaining his All-Star team on three separate occasions. In 2021, he secured the NBA All-Star Game MVP title.
The Greek phenom achieved back-to-back league MVP honors in 2019 and 2020. During the latter MVP season, he also claimed the title of Defensive Player of the Year. His consistent excellence is highlighted by his inclusion in the All-NBA First Team for the past five seasons, signifying his status as one of the league's top-five players.
In a historic feat, Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA title in half a century in 2021. His exceptional performance in the Finals against the Phoenix Suns earned him the Finals MVP, averaging an astounding 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over six games.