Giannis Antetokounmpo may be one of the hardest players to explain in the entire NBA. On the court, the Greek Freak shows no mercy, bullying teams with elite play around the basket on both ends of the floor. Off the court, Giannis is like a teddy bear, choosing to spend time with his family that he loves very much and cracking some truly terrible dad jokes now and then.
Russell Westbrook and Giannis have a few things in common. Both are known for the heart that they show when they play basketball. Both have won the MVP and been superstars in the NBA. And both are very attached to their families. Russ has been known to share videos of himself with his children, and it’s clear to see how tight his family is, considering that his wife spent a lot of time publically defending his name last season.
Despite this, the two have never been on the same team or even in the same conference for a long time, which means that opportunities for interaction have been limited. But that’s when the All-Star break comes into the picture, and the two All-Stars once shared a wholesome moment.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Once Asked Russell Westbrook If He Could Hold His Baby
In 2019, the All-Star break was held in Charlotte. Both Giannis and Russell Westbrook were All-Stars and, as such, had to do some media duties around that time. And while Russ was giving his interview, Giannis interrupted him a little to ask if he could hold his baby, Noah.
Noah’s Caretaker: “This is Noah.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “What’s up Noah? How old is he? How many years old? Can I hold him?”
Noah’s Caretaker: “Ask Russell.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Ay Russell, ay Russell.. Can I hold? Bro, he’s cute bro.”
Russell Westbrook: “Go ahead.”
Fans who were reminded of the interaction after they saw the video were quick to comment on it, loving the sweet exchange between two of the NBA’s big stars.
“How can you hate either of them?”
“How can you hate Giannis man?”
“Russ was boutta go off till he saw it was Giannis.”
“Giannis is so wholesome.”
“Russ is the ultimate family man, bro.”
“Giannis is just a good dude.”
“That’s great to say ask his father.”
“I simply can’t, this is too cute.”
“Some things are bigger than ball.”
“Both these guys are proper family men, love them.”
With all the competitiveness that the NBA constantly has going on, it’s easy to see the negative in things often. But at the same time, it’s important to remember that players are also normal people at the end of the day, and they love their families. Russ and Giannis will meet and compete on the floor soon, but they’ll also always be similar when it comes to this one aspect of their lives.
