Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed he initially planned to return to Europe after being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013. The future two-time MVP said he told then-GM John Hammond he wasn’t ready for the NBA, but was encouraged to join the team immediately.
“I said, ‘But I’m not ready,’” Giannis recalled, via HoopsHype. Hammond advised him not to tell the media that, emphasizing, “You are ready.” From that moment, the Bucks became his new home, setting the stage for one of the most remarkable NBA careers in recent history.
Giannis also shared how veteran O.J. Mayo helped him adjust to life in the U.S. after arriving for training camp. “He paid for my furniture… he was my guy,” Giannis said, recalling how Mayo even helped him get back into his apartment when he got locked out.
The forward’s rookie season saw him average 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 24.6 minutes per game. Over the next decade, Giannis steadily improved, becoming a dominant two-way player known for his scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility.
By the 2019-20 season, Giannis averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite stars. He later captured two MVP awards and led the Bucks to their 2021 NBA Championship, demonstrating his growth from a raw European prospect to a franchise cornerstone.
Giannis credits his success to both personal determination and mentorship from NBA veterans. His early guidance from Mayo and encouragement from Milwaukee’s front office helped him navigate the challenges of moving from Greece to the United States as a teenager.
Today, Antetokounmpo continues to anchor the Bucks, averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the current 2025-26 season.
