Career Timeline of Giannis Antetokounmpo: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Giannis Antetokounmpo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is nicknamed the "Greek Freak" due to his exceptional size, speed, and strength. He's considered one of the greatest players and power forwards in NBA history. His career highlights include leading the Bucks to an NBA championship and earning multiple MVP awards. He represents the modern NBA superstar with his athleticism and versatile skillset.

Sections (4)

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

1968: First player to have 70 points, 30 rebounds and 30 assists over any 2-game span since Wilt Chamberlain

On April 5, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first player in NBA history to have 70 points, 30 rebounds and 30 assists over any 2-game span since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968. He posted his 2nd straight triple-double with 36 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a 121–115 overtime win over the Miami Heat.

2000: First player since Shaquille O'Neal to tally 60-plus points without a made three-point basket

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to score 60 or more points in a game without making a three-point basket.

2001: Most points scored in a EuroBasket game since Dirk Nowitzki

On September 6, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points in a 99–79 group stage win over Ukraine in EuroBasket 2022. This was the twelfth-highest points tally of all time, and the most points scored in a EuroBasket game since Dirk Nowitzki in 2001.

July 2013: Played with Greek Under-20 national team 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 achieve an 8-2 record and a fifth-place finish.

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

In 2014, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the senior men's Greek national basketball team, contributing to their ninth-place finish in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a 5–1 record. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across the six games.

2014: Thanasis drafted by the New York Knicks

In 2014, Thanasis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut with the New York Knicks after being drafted by the organization with the 51st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

2015: Played for the Greek national team for EuroBasket 2015

In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the Greek national team in EuroBasket 2015, where the team reached the quarter-finals and finished fifth with a 7–1 record. He ended the tournament with three double-doubles, averaging 9.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

2016: Established as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers

By the 2016-17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was recognized as one of the NBA's most effective slashers and transition scorers, known for his size, speed, and ability to cover significant court distance in a single dribble.

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

In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for Greece at the Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game; however, Greece was eliminated by Croatia and failed to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

2016: Thanasis plays for Andorra

In 2016, Thanasis Antetokounmpo played for Andorra.

2017: Analysis showed Antetokounmpo was able to cover slightly more than 15 feet off a single dribble

In 2017, an analysis by Stats SportVU revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo covered over 15 feet with a single dribble when driving to the basket, significantly more than the league average. He also developed his own version of the Euro step.

2018: Kostas drafted in NBA

In 2018, Kostas Antetokounmpo, played college basketball for Dayton before being selected with the last pick in the NBA draft.

2018: Bucks led the NBA in defensive rating in 2018–19

With Giannis Antetokounmpo in a "free safety" defensive role, the Bucks improved to become one of the league's best defensive teams, leading the NBA in defensive rating in 2018–19.

July 16, 2019: Thanasis Signs with the Milwaukee Bucks

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

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

On October 24, 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo began the 2019–20 season with a triple-double, recording 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 117–111 season-opening win over the Houston Rockets.

2019: Orchestrated the team's offense, was responsible for 57.8% of the points

During the 2019–20 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was responsible for 57.8% of the points the Bucks scored while he was on the floor, through assisting and personally scoring.

2019: Represented Greece at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the FIBA Basketball World Cup as the reigning NBA MVP, averaging 14.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. Greece finished 11th in the tournament after failing to advance past the second round.

2019: Bucks led the NBA in defensive rating in 2018–19 and 2019-20

With Giannis Antetokounmpo in a "free safety" defensive role, the Bucks improved to become one of the league's best defensive teams, leading the NBA in defensive rating in 2018–19 and 2019-20.

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.

March 13, 2020: Donation to Fiserv Forum Staff

On March 13, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family pledged to donate $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, coming to terms on a 5-year, $228 million extension, the largest in league history.

2020: Won the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

For his defensive contributions, Giannis Antetokounmpo won the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and became a consistent NBA All-Defensive honoree.

2020: Kostas Wins NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2020, Giannis' younger brother, Kostas Antetokounmpo, won the NBA Championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant achievement for the Antetokounmpo family.

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, expanding his investment portfolio.

October 19, 2021: Receives First NBA Championship Ring

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

2021: Kostas Signs with ASVEL Basket

In 2021, Giannis' younger brother, Kostas Antetokounmpo, signed with ASVEL Basket, a team in the French Betclic Élite and the EuroLeague.

January 13, 2022: Leads Bucks to Win over 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. He became the first player to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles in 30 minutes and tied Michael Jordan's career mark of 28 triple-doubles.

February 8, 2022: Scores 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, 2 blocks, and 0 turnovers on 17-of-20 shooting from the field. It was his 20th straight game recording at least 25 points.

August 2022: Rejoined the Greek National Team

In August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Greek national team to participate in upcoming competitions.

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

On August 25, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved a national team career-high of 40 points, along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, in a 94–100 overtime loss to Serbia during 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 focuses on the immigrant employees at an American flag factory. He expressed that he found the project inspiring and personal as an immigrant himself.

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2022: Played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece

In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in EuroBasket 2022 with the Greek national team. He scored 41 points against Ukraine, the most points scored in a EuroBasket game since Dirk Nowitzki in 2001. He finished as the tournament's 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 of Nashville SC

In March 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers became minority owners in the Major League Soccer club Nashville SC, further diversifying their investments.

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 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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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, securing his future with the team.

2023: Averaged 6.5 assists per game during 2023-24 season

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

2023: Played in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers

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.

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

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

November 13, 2024: Recorded 59 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in a 127–120 overtime win

On November 13, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo had an outstanding performance, scoring 59 points, securing 14 rebounds, and providing 7 assists in a 127–120 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons.

2024: Averaged 6.5 assists per game during 2024-25 season

During the 2024–25 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game, demonstrating his playmaking skills.

2024: Carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympics. He represented Greece in the group stage, and the team was eliminated by Germany in the quarter-finals. He averaged a tournament high 25.8 points and was named to the tournament's All-Second Team.

January 2, 2025: Longest streak in NBA history with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field

On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo extended his streak to 26 consecutive games with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field, marking the longest such streak in NBA history. He recorded 27 points on 12-of-24 shooting from the field, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a 113–110 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.