International basketball players have had great success within the NBA. One example of a global superstar who made his name known is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis, a 6 foot 11 inch player, who comes from Athens Greece, currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis entered the NBA at just the age of 18, and quickly gained popularity. His country of origin, height, and skills have influenced his nickname, “The Greek Freak.” He was selected as number 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft and advanced his career being recognized among the top 75 elite players in the league, and achieving back-to-back Kia MVP honors in 2019 and 2020. His numerous accomplishments led him to his first championship title in 2021 against the Phoenix Suns. His performance in this game was like nothing before seen with 40 points in Game 2, and 50 points in Game 6. He was then given finals MVP.
Giannis’s Antetokounmpo is an inspiration to any European player aspiring to play in the NBA. His development from a skinny and shy European player with enormous potential to a global icon really opens the door for all players outside the US with dreams like his. Players like Giannis in the NBA have not only shown that Europeans can take center stage in a predominantly saturated American market, but that they can be some of the very best in the league.
Giannis has demonstrated that European players can become dominant forces in the NBA. Prior to Giannis, there were very few European players who were seen as true superstars in the league. However, Giannis has shown that European players can not only compete at the highest level, but also become some of the best players in the world. His superstardom garners admiration from fans all over the world and his success has encouraged more NBA teams to take chances on European prospects. Giannis has proven that hard work and perseverance will help overcome difficult situations. Giannis grew up in Greece living in extreme poverty. In the beginning of his career he had to share his playing shoes with his brother, Thanasis. He faced significant challenges early in his career from his language barrier and lack of experience. However, through his hard work and determination he became one of the best NBA players. This shines a light on not only players coming from Greece, but any international player, to take a risk and believe that they can overcome their obstacles to achieve their dreams.
Giannis inspires loyalty everyday through his dedication to a single team/small franchise like the Milwaukee Bucks. Regardless of his successes, and rewards, he has stayed loyal to his team that drafted him back in 2013. This dedication inspires fans and other players to strive for this loyalty in a sport where player movement/trade is pretty common.
Overall, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an amazing example of how a European player can make such an impact in the NBA, among a predominantly American market.
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ReplyDeleteHi Arielle,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Giannis is such an inspiration to European players because he demonstrated that he could transform into a top NBA athlete. I also agree that through his hard work and dedication, he proved that he and anyone can overcome obstacles. I do find it so interesting that prior to Giannis, there were very few European players who were seen as true superstars in the league. I think that Giannis' great, international reputation opens up the doors for several European basketball players and also gives kids hope that they can conqure their dreams as well!
^^-Abby Moriarty
DeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. When thinking about the NBA, one of the only players from Europe that sticks out to me is Giannis. I have seen many highlights on TV, Instagram, Tik Tok, and other social media that highlights how good of a player he is. I think his story should be an inspiration to so many other European basketball players. His story shows that if one person has hope in you, it will take you very far. I think the support that he has from so many people in the United States can also show other European basketball players that they will have support once they get to the United States. I hope in the future that there will be more stories like this. He came from such a poor family and now has made it extremely big for himself and has helped his family along the way. This is such an inspiring story that I have loved to learn about!