All summer long, NBA Game Time's celebrating the global reach of the game we love. Over the course of 90 days - leading up to the 2014 Global Games in October - get to know more about the international faces of the NBA. Day 2 brings…
Giannis Antetokounmpo (G-F, Milwaukee Bucks), Greece
Height: 2.11 m, 6-foot-11 | Weight: 92.9 kg, 217 pounds
| 16 December 1994
Meet the most-Googled rookie of 2013-14: Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has been a fan favorite since his quip in 2013, moments after becoming the youngest NBA player to be drafted that year: "I just came here in the NBA. I am 18 years old. It's pretty good, to be here, for 18, right?" (Sporting News)
Antetokounmpo grew up sharing a single pair of basketball shoes with his older brother. Back then, he sold trinkets to tourists in the streets of Greece for food. Now he's realizing his dreams as a Milwaukee Buck, re-energizing the fanbase, shooting 34.7% from three-point range and chasing down blocks.
He may have come out of nowhere, but now the world knows his name. Even if they can't pronounce it.
Key Stats
2013-14 Season: PTS: 6.8 | REB: 4.4 | AST: 1.9 | BLK 0.8
Season Highlight: He had a double-double with 11 rebounds and 13 points against the Brooklyn Nets on 11 December, 2013.
Awards
*2013-14 All-Rookie Second Team
5 Things To Know
1. His nickname is "The Greek Freak"
2. After starting the season at 6-foot-9 (2.06 m), he grew 2 inches (5 cm) last season
3. He once stopped Caron Butler from throwing out a pair of sneakers, exclaiming, "What are you doing? These good shoes!"
4. He has two older brothers (Francis, Thanasis) and two younger brothers (Kostas, Alexis), all of whom played basketball for Filathlitikos B.C. in Greece. The New York Knicks selected Thanasis Antetekounmpo as the 51st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
5. His hands measure 9.85 inches (25 centimeters) from the tip of his middle finger to the heel of his palm
Check out Antetokounmpo's photos and videos in the LEAGUE section of the NBA Game Time app.
Previous: Steven Adams (Oklahoma City Thunder, New Zealand) | Next Up: Joel Anthony (Boston Celtics, Canada)