Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Today? What Happened to Giannis Antetokounmpo?
by Mathelene
Updated Oct 09, 2023
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Today?
Antetokounmpo was not playing in the preseason opener on Sunday, as reported by Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Even though he's completely healthy after a knee procedure during the offseason, he's taking some rest, along with a few other important Milwaukee players, on Sunday. There's a chance he might play in the upcoming preseason games.
What Happened to Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo won't be playing on Sunday, as announced by Bucks coach Adrian Griffin. Khris Middleton will also be taking a break from this preseason game.
None of these star players seem to have any injuries or issues, but the Bucks are being cautious as they start the preseason. Middleton had some injury troubles last season, but it appears he's doing well now.
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a famous basketball player who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He's known as the "Greek Freak" because of his exceptional skills and physical abilities. Giannis was born in Greece to Nigerian parents and started playing basketball for a team called Filathlitikos in Athens.
In 2013, he was chosen by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA draft. He's achieved a lot in his career, like leading the Bucks in various important stats during the 2016-17 season. He even received the Most Improved Player award in 2017. Giannis is a seven-time NBA All-Star, and he's been an All-Star team captain. He's also won two NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this honor.
In 2020, he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and in 2021, he led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years and was named Finals MVP. There's even a movie called "Rise" that tells his life story, which came out in 2022. Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, especially among European players.
Full Name
Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo
Date of Birth
December 6, 1994
Place of Birth
Athens, Greece
Nationality
Greek
Position
Forward
Height
6 feet 11 inches (211 cm)
Weight
242 lbs (110 kg)
Giannis Antetokounmpo Age
Giannis Antetokounmpo is 28 years old. Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, Greece, on December 6, 1994, to parents who had immigrated from Nigeria. His dad used to play soccer in Nigeria, and his mom was a high jumper. His family had moved from Lagos to Greece a few years before he was born, leaving his older brother with their grandparents.
Growing up in Athens, Giannis and his family faced challenges as immigrants without work permits. They couldn't find regular jobs, so Giannis and his older brother sold items like watches and handbags on the streets. Giannis began playing basketball in 2007. Even though Giannis and most of his brothers were born in Greece, they didn't automatically become Greek citizens due to the country's nationality laws. This made him feel like an outsider in both the Greek and Nigerian communities.
It wasn't until 2013, just before the NBA draft, that Giannis received Greek citizenship, and his official name became Antetokounmpo. This was when he earned the nickname "Greek Freak" because his surname was hard to pronounce. He also holds Nigerian citizenship and considers himself both Greek and Nigerian, embracing his diverse background.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Career
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the "Greek Freak," is a professional basketball player. He started his career with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Before joining the NBA, Giannis played in Greece for a team called Filathlitikos. Then, in 2013, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 15th overall pick. He quickly made an impact, becoming one of the youngest players in the NBA at just 18 years old.
Over the years, Giannis became a star player for the Bucks. He improved his skills, and the team got better. He signed a big contract and earned awards like the Most Valuable Player (MVP) multiple times. He's also known for his incredible dunks and strong defense.
In 2021, he led the Bucks to an NBA championship, and he was named the NBA Finals MVP. But in 2023, the Bucks got eliminated from the playoffs early despite Giannis scoring a lot of points. Giannis is famous for his scoring, rebounding, and assists, making him one of the best players in the NBA.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Today? - FAQs
Yes, Giannis and his family faced challenges due to their immigrant status. They struggled to find work, and he and his brother resorted to street vending to help their family financially.
Giannis was issued Greek citizenship on May 9, 2013, just before the 2013 NBA draft.
Giannis won his first NBA MVP award at the 2019 NBA Awards.
Giannis had an exceptional season with career-high scoring, multiple triple-doubles, and being named an All-Star. However, the Bucks were eliminated in the playoffs by the Miami Heat.