Danny Ainge is considered one of the finest front-office executives of all time, helping the Boston Celtics win the 2008 NBA championship and molding the current team to become the powerhouse it is today. As savvy and ingenious as the former All-Star turned executive is, even he couldn't predict the meteoric rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo .
During an interview on "Pardon My Take," Ainge couldn't hide his disbelief and joy at the incredible journey Giannis has taken in the NBA. He recounted seeing the versatile forward play when he was just 19, preparing to enter the 2013 NBA Draft. However, the Antetokounmpo that Ainge saw a few months later was a revelation, a player transformed beyond recognition.
A joy to watch
Growing up in Athens, Giannis wasn't the one people came to see; it was his older brother Thanasis. He merely tagged along with his brother to play basketball and quickly fell in love with the sport. However, as he learned the game and developed his skills, he became a prospect that NBA scouts and executives came to see.
One of those was Ainge, who flew to Greece to see the lean 19-year-old show off his versatile skills. Apart from his two-way talent, Ainge said what impressed him more was Giannis' joy for the game. This joy, Danny believes, is what sets Antetokounmpo apart. It's not just about his physical abilities but his love for the game that shines through in his play.
"I went over to Greece to watch him play, and I mean, he was a joy to watch," Danny shared .
Despite possessing a keen eye for talent, Ainge admitted he never saw Giannis becoming the player he is today. He saw potential in him, but not at the level of a two-time MVP.
"Never in a million years could I have imagined him being the MVP, NBA champion that he's become. But it's fun to see," Ainge stressed.
Related: "You could just feel it, the lack of respect" - Alonzo Mourning on the tense environment in the gold medal game against France in the 2000 Olympics
A certified unicorn
Simply put, Giannis is built from a different mold. The "Greek Freak," as he's popularly known now, is a 7-footer with the wingspan of an albatross, yet has the speed and agility of a guard. He can handle the ball, drive to the rim, shoot from outside, and defend multiple positions on the court.
Although he is only 29, Giannis has already compiled a resume that would place him in the Hall of Fame: two MVP awards, NBA Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time All-Star and All-NBA team member, NBA 75th Anniversary Team member, and most importantly, NBA champion.
"Giannis was different. Everyone missed on Giannis, right? I mean, I saw Giannis play like three months before the draft, maybe four months before the draft, and I liked him. I loved his enthusiasm for the game. And then I saw him in the Summer League, and it was like he's three inches taller, like he actually has muscles in his arms," Danny conveyed. "It was incredible, the transformation over that time. But, I mean, what a great story Giannis is."
From being a street vendor on the streets of Athens to being a global superstar, Giannis' story is the stuff of legends. However, he is far from done as he seeks to add another title to his collection, this time with fellow superstar Damian Lillard by his side.
Related: Danny Ainge got heckled by fans in Greece when he went to scout Giannis Antetokounmpo
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