The young skinny 18 year old Giannis Antetokounmpo first came to Milwaukee for an introductory news conference after being the 15th pick by the Bucks in the 2013 Draft.
At first, Giannis was a dunking novelty. His hard work transformed himself into a superstar. The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo is a 10-time All-Star and ranks first in every major statistical category in Bucks history.
He won a pair of NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, while also winning Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year during his Bucks tenure.
The highlight of his 13 years with the Bucks was unquestionably the night of July 20, 2021 at Fiserv Forum, when Giannis scored 50 points to lead the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
After that, things changed. The team changed. The Bucks lost in the playoffs in the first round three straight years. This season, the Bucks missed the playoffs all together.
Giannis was limited to 36 games this season because of injuries. When he played, he averaged over 33 points, with almost 10 rebounds and 5 and a half assists per game. Giannis was frustrated that the Bucks didn’t medically clear him late in the season from a hyperextended knee. He said he was healthy and wanted to play with his brothers, Thanasis and Alex.
Things became awkward. The constant national trade speculation. The injuries. The team’s losing record. The boos from the home crowd, meant for the team, but taken personally by Giannis.
And now he’s gone. The Bucks begin a new chapter. Without Giannis.