Giannis Antetokounmpo has this some kind of a story being compared to popular superhero origins. Except there’s the Milwaukee Bucks star has no superpowers.
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June 24, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo poses with his family following his award of the NBA most valuable player at the 2019 NBA Awards show at Barker Hanger. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Greek Freak rose from nothing to almost having everything as an NBA player. This story of his was even told in a Disney film aptly titledRise.
Antetokounmpo and his family started in Athens, Greece as illegal immigrants who tried to make ends meet by selling various products on the street. They live day by day feeling the threat of getting deported as undocumented people of the country.
He discovered basketball – or maybe basketball discovered him – and he is now among the highest paid athletes in the world. He is also among the most accomplished, getting almost all possible honors one can win in the American basketball league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks news
Jul 22, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) holds his NBA Finals MVP Trophy during the Milwaukee Bucks victory parade. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
He is an NBA champion, Finals MVP on a historic 50-point output in a title-clinching game, a two-time MVP, a nine-time All-Star (so far), and former Most Improved Player.
He is expected to continue as an inspiring story.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has to be a superhero this season
Antetokounmpo is a hero to his family and Milwaukee fans by ending their championship drought.
He has to be one again this time but more than a hero – a superhero – as critics suggest they got small chance of repeating their 2021 title.
The Athletic’s Zach Harper is not sold on the strength of the Milwaukee roster and the players surrounding him. He believes they still got a chance to win it all but they will need superhuman effort from the Greek Freak to be able to do that.
He thinks the Bucks are not legit contenders and in case they win it all, it will be similar to Antetokounmpo’s personal triumph. Like a Disney film. Against all odds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forwards Precious Achiuwa (5) and Mikal Bridges (25) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“The state of the Eastern Conference makes this more palatable and a Disney movie-style triumph seem more possible,” Harper wrote.
“Surround Giannis with defense and outside shooting. Make the games ugly. Rely on Giannis to be a superhero. To quote that kid in “Angels in the Outfield,” it could happen, though I don’t know if anybody should bet on it happening.”
Right now, Harper just adds to a long list of people doubting the Bucks.
The team, however, feels positive.
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