Giannis Antetokounmpo's story is unique. He went from selling CDs on the street and sharing a pair of sneakers with his brothers to becoming a two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and even NBA champion and Finals MVP.
The Greek Freak has worked hard during the offseason to improve his game. He's become an impactful two-way player and one of the best players in the world. But he hasn't let wealth and fame change him one bit.
If anything, the Milwaukee Bucks star continues to be the same humble, down-to-earth kid he was when he first entered the league. In fact, he recently admitted that he struggled with fear and anxiety during the playoffs so he had to visit a sports psychiatrist.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Says He Had To Visit A Sports Psychiatrist
“I was talking with a sports psychiatrist every day, he helped me be myself,” the Bucks star said, as quoted by Revolt TV. “The free throws were a mental issue and I want to continue like this in the next season. And I want to see if we can repeat this as a team. I want to see if we can do it again, myself, my teammates, the owners, everyone.”
Props to Giannis for opening up on this delicate subject, putting that stigma of mental health and sports behind. More athletes continue to take a step forward and embrace the help of mental health professionals and acknowledge that there's nothing wrong with that.
Giannis Says He Doesn't Want To Be Called The Best
Giannis recently said that he doesn't want to be deemed the best player in the world because that may hold him back. If anything, he wants to keep chasing greatness and that would hurt his motivation:
“I am Giannis,” Giannis said. "But calling me MVP, calling me champ, calling me the best player in the world, is something that might hold me back. And I don’t want anything holding me back. I want to look forward and be better.”
“I like being a hunter,” he added. “I am not the best player in the world. I am telling you, I am not! KD, LeBron, Kawhi, Luka, Curry, AD might be. I am not. I am still hunting the All-Time Greats. LeBron is still the best player in the world.”
You may or may not like his game but you just can't disrespect Giannis Antetokounmpo. He's been through hell and back and has one of the most heartwarming stories in sports history.
