History of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Timeline

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Nigerian-Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is nicknamed the "Greek Freak" due to his unique combination of size, speed, and strength. He is considered one of the greatest power forwards and overall players in NBA history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1963: Birth year of Charles Antetokounmpo

In 1963, Charles Antetokounmpo, the father of Giannis, was born. Giannis wears the number 34 in honor of his parents, who were born in 1963 and 1964.

Others born on this day/year

1964: Birth year of Veronica Antetokounmpo

In 1964, Veronica Antetokounmpo, the mother of Giannis, was born. Giannis wears the number 34 in honor of his parents, who were born in 1963 and 1964.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Wilt Chamberlain's achievement

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain had a similar record to Antetokounmpo in terms of points and rebounds over a two-game span.

February 1971: Bucks' Best Month Before 2017

In February 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved a 16-2 record, marking the franchise's best calendar month before their 14-4 record in March 2017, which was propelled by Antetokounmpo's efforts.

1971: Bucks Win NBA Championship

In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship.

1988: Michael Jordan Wins MVP and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1988, Michael Jordan was the first player to win both the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

December 6, 1994: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Birth

On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo (né Adetokunbo) was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents. He would later become a professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Hakeem Olajuwon Wins MVP and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon was the second player to win both the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

2000: Shaquille O'Neal's achievement

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last player before Giannis Antetokounmpo to tally 60-plus points without a made three-point basket.

2001: Dirk Nowitzki's EuroBasket record

In 2001, Dirk Nowitzki set the record for most points scored in a EuroBasket game since Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points in 2022.

January 2004: Last Buck to win Player of the Month before Antetokounmpo

In January 2004, Michael Redd was the last Milwaukee Bucks player to win the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award before Giannis Antetokounmpo received it in April 2017.

2006: Michael Redd's Scoring Streak

In 2006, Michael Redd had a 14-game streak of scoring at least 20 points, matching the longest streak by a Bucks player since Giannis Antetokounmpo matched it in January 2017.

2007: Started playing basketball

In 2007, Giannis Antetokounmpo began playing basketball, marking the start of his journey towards a professional career in the sport.

2011: Played for Filathlitikos Senior Team

During the 2011-12 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's team of Filathlitikos in the Greek B Basket League, a semi-pro third division league.

2011: Started playing for Filathlitikos's senior team

In 2011, Giannis Antetokounmpo began playing basketball for the senior team of Filathlitikos in Athens.

October 28, 2012: Baptism in Greek Orthodox Church

On October 28, 2012, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brother Alex were baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church. Giannis was raised in the Greek Orthodox Church.

December 2012: Signed with CAI Zaragoza

In December 2012, shortly after turning 18, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a four-year deal with Spanish club CAI Zaragoza, which reportedly included NBA buyouts after each season.

2012: Competed in the Greek A2 League

During the 2012–13 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the Greek A2 League, showcasing his skills and developing as a player.

April 28, 2013: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 28, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo officially declared himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft, taking a significant step towards his NBA career.

May 9, 2013: Issued Greek Citizenship

On May 9, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was issued Greek citizenship, resolving his stateless status and allowing him to travel internationally, which was less than two months before the NBA draft.

July 2013: Represented Greece at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship

In July 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo represented Greece for the first time with the Greek Under-20 national team at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship, helping the team to a fifth-place finish.

July 30, 2013: Signed Rookie Contract with the Milwaukee Bucks

On July 30, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed his rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, officially beginning his NBA career.

October 13, 2013: NBA Debut

On October 13, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut at the age of 18 years and 311 days, becoming one of the youngest NBA players ever. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks.

2013: NBA Draft Selection

In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the NBA draft and was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2013: Special Participant in the Greek League All-Star Game

In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected by coaches as a special participant in the Greek League All-Star Game, even though he wasn't officially an all-star due to playing in Greece's second division.

2014: Played with the senior men's Greek national team

From 2014 to 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's Greek national team in 37 official games, scoring a total of 725 points.

2014: Played for the senior men's Greek national basketball team

In 2014, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the senior men's Greek national basketball team for the first time, helping Greece finish ninth overall in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a 5–1 record.

2014: Thanasis NBA debut with New York Knicks

In 2014, Thanasis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut with the New York Knicks after being drafted by the organization.

2014: Move to Milwaukee

In early 2014, the Antetokounmpo family, except for Francis and Thanasis, moved from Athens to Milwaukee, following Giannis' NBA career.

February 6, 2015: Career-High 27 Points and 15 Rebounds

On February 6, 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a then career-high 27 points and 15 rebounds in a game against the Houston Rockets.

2015: Joined Greek national team for EuroBasket 2015

In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Greek national team for EuroBasket 2015, where the team reached the quarter-finals and finished fifth overall. He led his team in rebounds for the tournament.

2015: Received Nigerian Passport

In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his Nigerian passport, obtaining dual citizenship and solidifying his connection to both Greece and Nigeria.

2015: Scoring average increase

In the 2015-16 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to develop individually, increasing his scoring average to almost 17 points per game.

February 22, 2016: First Career Triple-Double

On February 22, 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his first career triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the youngest Buck to achieve this feat at 21 years old.

July 2016: Military Service in Greece

In July 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory military service in Greece. As permanent overseas residents, they served a reduced three-month term.

September 19, 2016: Contract Extension with the Bucks

On September 19, 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, solidifying his future with the team.

2016: Established himself as a devastating slasher

By the 2016–17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers.

2016: Led Bucks in major statistical categories

In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

2016: Played at the 2016 Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with Greece at the 2016 Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. However, Greece failed to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

2016: Thanasis played for Andorra

In 2016, Thanasis Antetokounmpo played for Andorra during the 2016–17 season.

April 3, 2017: Eastern Conference Player of the Month

On April 3, 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in March, marking the first such award of his career.

April 15, 2017: Playoff Career-High

On April 15, 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a then playoff career-high 28 points in a 97–83 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

September 2017: Death of Charles Antetokounmpo

In September 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo's father, Charles, passed away at the age of 54. Charles was a Nigerian football player.

2017: Devastating slasher and transition scorer

By the 2016–17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers.

2017: Began 2017-18 Season

Giannis Antetokounmpo began the 2017–18 season on a tear, scoring 175 points over the first five games, he earned his second straight All-Star nomination and All-NBA selection, and broke Kareem Abdul Jabbar's franchise record for triple-doubles.

2017: Missed EuroBasket 2017 due to knee injury

In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the EuroBasket 2017 tournament due to a knee injury, despite scoring 20 points in a prep game against Montenegro.

2017: Most Improved Player Award

In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the NBA's Most Improved Player award, acknowledging his significant development and impact on the Milwaukee Bucks.

2018: Kostas was selected in the NBA draft

In 2018, Kostas Antetokounmpo was selected with the last pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

2018: Bucks became one of the league's best defensive teams

In 2018–19, with Antetokounmpo playing a "free safety" role, the Bucks flourished into one of the league's best defensive teams, leading the NBA in defensive rating.

2018: Sustained Team Success

Starting from the 2018–19 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks achieved a period of sustained team success.

July 16, 2019: Thanasis signed with the Milwaukee Bucks

On July 16, 2019, Thanasis Antetokounmpo signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, joining his brother Giannis.

October 24, 2019: Triple-Double in Season-Opening Win

On October 24, 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double, scoring 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 117–111 season-opening win over the Houston Rockets.

2019: Orchestrated team's offense

During the 2019–20 season, Antetokounmpo was responsible (through assisting and personally scoring) for 57.8% of the points the Bucks scored while he was on the floor, one of the highest rates in the league.

2019: Bucks became one of the league's best defensive teams

In 2018–19, with Antetokounmpo playing a "free safety" role, the Bucks flourished into one of the league's best defensive teams, leading the NBA in defensive rating.

2019: Represented Greece at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo represented Greece at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he became the first reigning NBA MVP to play in a World Cup. Greece finished 11th after failing to advance past the second round, a result considered disappointing.

2019: First All-Star Captain Selection

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the first time, leading the Eastern Conference in voting and solidifying his status as a prominent player in the NBA.

2019: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

2019: Toronto Raptors neutralized Antetokounmpo's paint dominance

In 2019, the Toronto Raptors built a 'wall' of lengthy, adept defenders to neutralize Antetokounmpo's paint dominance in their Conference Finals victory, leading Antetokounmpo to increase his jump-shooting output.

January 23, 2020: All-Star Game Captain

On January 23, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named an All-Star Game captain, alongside LeBron James, for the second consecutive year.

February 2020: Birth of First Son, Liam

In February 2020, Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to their first son, Liam.

March 13, 2020: $100,000 Donation to Fiserv Forum Staff

On March 13, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family pledged to give $100,000 to the staff of the Fiserv Forum who were unable to work during the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 18, 2020: Second Consecutive MVP Award

On September 18, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award, joining Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan as the only players to win MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

December 15, 2020: Re-Signs with the Bucks

On December 15, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo re-signed with the Bucks, agreeing to a 5-year, $228 million extension, the largest in league history.

2020: Second All-Star Captain Selection

In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the second time, continuing to lead the Eastern Conference in voting and demonstrating his consistent popularity and impact in the NBA.

2020: Consecutive NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Awards

In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and was also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, achieving a rare feat.

2020: Kostas won the NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2020, Kostas Antetokounmpo won the 2020 NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2020: Won the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2020, for his defensive efforts, Antetokounmpo won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and he has become a perennial NBA All-Defensive honoree.

June 29, 2021: Knee Injury in Eastern Conference Finals

On June 29, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left knee injury during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks after colliding with Clint Capela, resulting in a hyperextension.

August 2021: Birth of Second Son, Maverick

In August 2021, Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to their second son, Maverick.

August 20, 2021: Minority Owner of Milwaukee Brewers

On August 20, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball.

October 19, 2021: Receives First NBA Championship Ring

On October 19, 2021, after receiving his first NBA championship ring in the pre-game ceremony, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in a 127–104 season-opening win over the Nets.

2021: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971 and was named the Finals MVP, capping off a dominant season.

2021: Kostas signed with ASVEL Basket

In 2021, Kostas Antetokounmpo signed with ASVEL Basket, part of the French Betclic Élite and the EuroLeague.

January 13, 2022: Triple-Double against the Warriors

On January 13, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 118–99 win over the Golden State Warriors with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 blocks in less than thirty minutes.

February 8, 2022: 44 Points Against the Lakers

On February 8, 2022, in a 131–116 win against the Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 44 points with 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks.

August 2022: Calamos Advisors announced partnership

In August 2022, Calamos Advisors announced a partnership with Antetokounmpo on an exchange-traded fund investing in sustainable firms, called the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund.

August 2022: Rejoined Greek national team

In August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Greek national team to participate in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.

August 25, 2022: Scored a national team career-high 40 points

On August 25, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a national team career-high 40 points, along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, in a 94–100 overtime loss to Serbia in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.

September 2022: Executive Producer for "The Flagmakers"

In September 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined as an executive producer for National Geographic's documentary "The Flagmakers", which highlights the immigrant employees at an American flag factory. He expressed that the project was inspiring and personally resonated with him as an immigrant.

2022: Release of the Film 'Rise'

In 2022, the film "Rise", based on the life of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family, was released, showcasing their journey and struggles.

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2022: Played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece

In September 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the EuroBasket tournament with Greece. He finished the tournament as the leading scorer and was selected to the All-Tournament Team.

January 3, 2023: Career-High 55 Points

On January 3, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a then career-high 55 points, alongside 10 rebounds and seven assists in a 123–113 win over the Washington Wizards.

March 2023: Minority Owner in Nashville SC

In March 2023, Giannis, along with his brothers Alex, Thanasis, and Kostas, became minority owners in the Major League Soccer club Nashville SC.

June 2023: Shareholders and owners of Candy Funhouse

In June 2023, Giannis and his brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex expanded their investment portfolio, overseen by Ante Inc., by becoming shareholders and owners of the Canadian online confectionary retailer, Candy Funhouse.

September 2023: Executive Producer of Candy Funhouse Reality TV Show

In September 2023, Giannis signed on as an Executive Producer of a reality TV show created by Candy Funhouse and the producers of "Big Brother", Fly on the Wall.

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September 2023: Birth of Daughter, Eva

In September 2023, Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to their daughter, Eva.

October 23, 2023: Signed three-year, $186 million extension with the Bucks

On October 23, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $186 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks.

2023: Averaged 6.5 assists per game

During the 2023–24 season, Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking skills.

2023: Participated in 2023 World Cup Qualifiers

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo participated in the World Cup Qualifiers.

2023: Third All-Star Captain Selection

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the third time, once again leading the Eastern Conference in voting and highlighting his enduring prominence in the NBA.

January 24, 2024: Recorded 42nd career triple-double

On January 24, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved his 42nd career triple-double, contributing 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 blocks in a 126–116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

July 10, 2024: Named Flag Bearer for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

On July 10, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo was designated by the Greek Olympic Committee as a flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, alongside race walker Antigoni Drisbioti, recognizing his sporting achievements.

September 1, 2024: Marriage to Mariah Riddlesprigger

On September 1, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo married Mariah Riddlesprigger in a private ceremony at the Costa Navarino resort near Pylos.

November 13, 2024: Recorded 59 points against the Detroit Pistons

On November 13, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 59 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists, leading his team to a 127–120 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons.

November 2024: Announcement of Fourth Child Expectation

In November 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger announced that they were expecting their fourth child.

2024: Averaged 6.5 assists per game

During the 2023–24 season, Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking skills.

2024: Played with the senior men's Greek national team

From 2014 to 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's Greek national team in 37 official games, scoring a total of 725 points.

2024: NBA Cup Win and MVP

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to win the 2nd edition of the NBA Cup, where he was also named NBA Cup MVP, marking another significant achievement in his career.

2024: Participated in the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo participated in the Summer Olympics, carrying the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies. He was later named to the tournament's All-Second Team.

2024: Fourth All-Star Captain Selection

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the fourth time, reaffirming his consistent leadership in the Eastern Conference in voting and continued impact in the NBA.

January 2, 2025: 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting

On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field, the longest streak in NBA history, while putting up 27 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a 113–110 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.