For many young NBA rookies, the realization that they've truly "made it" often comes when facing the superstars they've long admired. Giannis Antetokounmpo had this experience during his 2013-14 rookie season, playing against LeBron James and Kevin Durant within days.
However, for the young Antetokounmpo, these matchups weren't just about being star-struck. Observing these future Hall of Famers up close provided valuable insights that would shape his future approach to the game.
“Two of the biggest and most recognizable basketball players, with huge bank accounts, working hard, like they have something to prove, while in reality they have nothing to prove…They have both played in so many All-Star Games. Even so, work never stops. They do not rest in their glory. They are after perfection,” Antetokounmpo wrote in a 2013 self-authored blog post, per Brew Hoop.
The first dance with ‘King James’
Antetokounmpo's sixth NBA game was a true test, facing off against the reigning champions, the Miami Heat, led by the legendary James . As a wide-eyed teenager, the Bucks rookie naturally felt quite nervous upon arrival at the American Airlines Arena.
“All sorts of thoughts were going through my mind. I was wondering how it will be out there when the lights are on and I'm in front of the best basketball player on the planet. Will I be scared? Will I be nervous? These thoughts kept coming and going,” explained ‘The Greek Freak.’
However, as the game began, Giannis reminded himself, " You're living the dream, kid. Enjoy it." Feeling more "calmed," he started to focus on the task at hand, including guarding 'King James'—an assignment he surprisingly described as "nice."
“It never crossed my mind that I was in danger of 'getting into his poster.' But even if that happened, I would not be the first nor the last!” shared the two-time MVP.
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Watching KD warm up left Giannis in awe
Four days later, the Bucks hosted the Thunder, featuring Giannis' idol, Durant . The game hadn't even started yet, and KD had already made a strong impression on the 15th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft .
“When I came out on the court for a workout, he was already there, shooting. Working,” recounted the Bucks superstar. “I stopped and watched him. He was deadly serious. I could see it in his face. He was not relaxed. He was warming up with tension. I felt a satisfaction, when I saw my idol, approaching basketball with such determination.”
These highlighted moments with LBJ and KD imparted a crucial lesson to Antetokounmpo about "what the combination of talent and hard work can achieve."
Reflecting on recent times, the 2021 NBA champ has shown a similar willingness to put in the work, evident in his transformation from a skinny, lanky player to an imposing, muscular big man. ‘The Greek Freak’ has also committed to improving his often-criticized shooting, particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc. At 29 and still in his prime, Giannis has plenty of time to keep getting better, and with his strong work ethic, he undoubtedly will.
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