Giannis Antetokounmpo’s story of life is very inspirational. The Milwaukee Bucks star had to work at a very young age to support his family while he practiced a play to make his dream of playing in the NBA a reality. His life was anything but easy and that’s why he’s approaching the bubble different than any other player in the league.
“I’m in a situation where I’m extremely blessed and I cannot complain. Obviously, it doesn’t matter where you are in life, there’s always something to complain, there’s always a problem and an issue,” Antetokounmpo said (via ESPN). “But, I try to kind of not focus on that. So, as I said, my apartment in Greece, when I was younger, with my four brothers, was way smaller than the suite that I have in the hotel so I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”
Giannis is different. He thinks basketball should be played in one way, without emotions. He doesn’t even listen to music before games to avoid his feelings.
“At the end of the day, we’ve got to go out there and play,” Antetokounmpo said of playing inside the bubble. “I’m not going to try to not be myself. I never wear headphones, I don’t listen to music before games or before practice because it brings a lot of emotions to basketball. I feel like basketball should be played with no emotions, so I’m just going to try to be myself.
His focus on the bubble is becoming a better player, but especially, a better man.
“I had the national team coach when I was 17, he told me that, ‘whenever you’re around in a place with a lot of players, you’ve just got to be yourself, keep to yourself, look them straight in their eyes and just give them a nod. Say hello, but be you.’
“I’m not going to try to change who I am, but obviously, if we can be here for 3 months, my goal is to be a better basketball player and a better person leaving this place,” he said.
The Greek Freak led his team to have the best record in the NBA before the shutdown. He’s ready to pick things right where he left them and take the Bucks to win the NBA championship.
