Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the last franchise players in today’s NBA who has stayed loyal to the team that drafted him, even through the struggles he and the Milwaukee Bucks have faced in recent years. Despite early weaknesses in his game, the Greek Freak has relentlessly worked to improve every facet of his play, turning himself into a consistent MVP contender over the past decade. Even former NBA star Kenyon Martin has acknowledged the Bucks superstar’s accomplishments.
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Beyond ending Milwaukee’s five-decade championship drought, Giannis’ leadership has transformed the Bucks into a team that fans can’t take their eyes off, drawing in players eager to join the organization. Kenyon Martin believes that influence alone places Antetokounmpo in the “megastar” category alongside legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.
“The fact that he plays in Milwaukee makes him a megastar,” Kenyon Martin remarked in his appearance in Gil’s Arena.
Giannis is a MEGAstar like Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe 💪 pic.twitter.com/XOG6EUPsVv
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) November 11, 2025
Although Antetokounmpo takes the occasional three-point shot, his offensive game is still grounded in a traditional, old-school style. He uses his 6’11”, 242-pound frame to dominate defenders, consistently driving to the basket whenever he has the ball.
Kenyon Martin gives Giannis Antetokounmpo his flowers
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“He plays with the kind of tenacity and intensity that I like seeing out of a basketball player, constantly. Him using what he has, his pure aggression, his athleticism, I think he figured it out like I like, if I’m more athletic than you, if I play harder than you, if I’m stronger than you… You can put him in the MVP category every year. Luka, the LeBrons, the Giannis’, the Nikolas, they’re always in the conversation for what they do for their team. I wanna see him win another (championship),” the former NBA star noted.
Not only does he consistently average over 30 points per game, but Antetokounmpo’s fearlessness in protecting the rim, even when there is a solid chance of getting posterized, gives the Bucks a solid two-way presence, allowing them to win against well-rounded teams on a nightly basis.
The Greek Freak’s place in NBA history
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates a basket in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Although the Greek Freak has enjoyed remarkable success and continues to influence the next wave of forwards, the fact remains that Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant faced a uniquely intense set of challenges during their careers. Season after season, they endured punishing defensive schemes and league-wide rivalries, yet consistently rose above the pressure.
Antetokounmpo, like those legends, has remained a top-five MVP candidate for more than six consecutive seasons, but in terms of cultural reach and global influence, he has not yet achieved their level of iconic status.
Still, basketball legacies can change quickly. Another championship in Milwaukee could dramatically reshape Antetokounmpo’s legacy.