Milwaukee Bucks small-forward Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to have found his way to stay in the NBA.
The 20-year-old Greek of Nigerian descent has progressed so much in just two NBA seasons, that fans, players, coaches, observers and critics can’t help, but ask what comes next?
Meanwhile next month, fans across the globe will see Antetokounmpo showcasing his athleticism in the All-Star weekend Slam Dunk Contest, along with Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic), Minnesota’s Zach LaVine, and Brooklyn Nets’ Mason Plumlee.
On Friday, 13 February, at Barclays Centre arena in Brooklyn, Antetokounmpo will feature for the World Team in the new format BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge against the USA.
One of the big questions though is, how did Antetokounmpo become such a prominent figure?
He runs up and down the floor the way few 6-foot-11 athletes can do, and his jump shot and physicality continue to improve game after game.
Antetokounmpo, who was selected 15th in the 2013 NBA Draft, is playing more like a top-10 pick.
Just take a look at this compilation of Antetokounmpo’ dunks.
Unsurprising, he went from averaging 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in his rookie season, to average 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season. Not bad for a man, who entered his second NBA season as teenager with indisputable margin of progression.
And his contribution to the Bucks is undeniable.
Milwaukee had the worst NBA record (15-67) last season, however, with the arrival of second-year coach Jason Kidd and a new work methodology, the Bucks (23-22) seem to be a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
Only two years ago, Antetokounmpo was playing for Filathlitikos B.C, a minor division team in the outskirts of Athens, Greece.
Now, he has become a household name in the NBA, especially because of his athleticism combined with his so-often praised work ethic, which makes Antetokounmpo one of the most exciting players to watch in the current NBA season.
