When Giannis Antetokounmpo was drafted 15th overall in 2013, it was difficult to know what he’d become. The unique length, mobility and athleticism that lend to the moniker “Greek Freak” were clear. He was, however, skinny and undeveloped. Nobody could have predicted Antetokounmpo’s meteoric rise. Just four years later, he’s an All-NBA second-teamer. Kevin Durant, probably the best player in basketball, non-LeBron-James category, had some extraordinarily high praise for Antetokounmpo. From NBA.com:
“The Greek Freak, I think, is a force. I’ve never seen anything like him,” Durant said. “His ceiling is probably — he could end up being the best player to ever play if he really wanted to. That’s pretty scary to think about.”
Durant added: “He’s by far my most favorite player to watch.”
Antetokounmpo was very excited to hear about Durant’s comments, says Steve Aschburner of NBA.com:
Told Giannis about this last night in Milwaukee.
His response: Surprised face and "Wooo! Wooo!" Vowed to work even harder. https://t.co/FepVK9ZeRi— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) October 14, 2017
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals per game, and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
