History of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Timeline
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Nigerian-Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is known as the "Greek Freak" due to his exceptional size, speed, and strength. He is considered one of the greatest players and power forwards in NBA history.
1963: Birth year of Giannis Antetokounmpo's mother
In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo selected the number 34 as his jersey number because his mother was born in 1963 and his father was born in 1964, so he combined the last digits of their birth years.
1964: Birth year of Giannis Antetokounmpo's father
In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo selected the number 34 as his jersey number because his mother was born in 1963 and his father was born in 1964, so he combined the last digits of their birth years.
1968: Comparison to Wilt Chamberlain
In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a similar feat to Giannis Antetokounmpo, marking a significant milestone in NBA history.
February 1971: Franchise's first calendar month with at least 14 victories
On April 3, 2017, Antetokounmpo helped the Bucks finish an Eastern Conference-best 14–4 in March, the franchise's first calendar month with at least 14 victories since going 16–2 in February 1971.
1971: Bucks previous NBA championship
In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971
1972: First Player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In 1972, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first player to total 200+ points, 80+ rebounds, and 30+ assists over a 5-game span since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1976: Multiple 40/20/5 Games
Since the NBA–ABA Merger in the 1976–77 season, Charles Barkley and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only players to have multiple games of 40 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists.
1988: Jordan won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
In 2020, Antetokounmpo became the third player, after Michael Jordan (1988) to win NBA MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.
December 6, 1994: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Birth
On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents.
1994: Olajuwon won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
In 2020, Antetokounmpo became the third player, after Hakeem Olajuwon (1994) to win NBA MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.
2000: Joined Shaquille O'Neal in Finals Record
In 2000, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined Shaquille O'Neal as the only players to register back-to-back games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in the NBA Finals.
2000: First player since Shaquille O'Neal to tally 60+ points without a made three-point basket
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last player before Giannis Antetokounmpo to score 60 or more points without making a three-point basket.
2001: Comparison to Dirk Nowitzki
In 2001, Dirk Nowitzki had the highest point total in a EuroBasket game until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points in 2022.
2001: Bucks advance to second round of playoffs
In 2001, Giannis helped the Bucks advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time.
January 2004: First for a Buck since Michael Redd won the award in January 2004
On April 3, 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in March, marking his first such award and the first for a Buck since Michael Redd won the award in January 2004.
2006: Matching longest streak by a Bucks player since Michael Redd in 2006
On January 6, Giannis Antetokounmpo had at least 20 points in his 14th consecutive game, matching the longest streak by a Bucks player since Michael Redd in 2006.
2007: Started playing basketball
In 2007, Giannis Antetokounmpo started playing basketball.
2011: Played for Filathlitikos senior team
During the 2011–12 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's team of Filathlitikos in the semi-pro Greek B Basket League (Third Division).
2011: First European Finals MVP since Dirk Nowitzki
In 2011, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first European since Dirk Nowitzki to be named NBA Finals MVP.
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.
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: Greek A2 League season
During the 2012-13 Greek A2 League season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for Filathlitikos, shooting 46.4% from the field.
April 28, 2013: Declared eligible for NBA draft
On April 28, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo officially made himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft.
May 9, 2013: Issued Greek citizenship
On May 9, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was issued Greek citizenship, which allowed him to travel outside the country and effectively ended his stateless status.
July 2013: Debut with Greek Under-20 National Team
In July 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his debut representing Greece with the Greek Under-20 national team at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship.
July 30, 2013: Signed rookie contract with Milwaukee Bucks
On July 30, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed his rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, selecting jersey number 34.
October 13, 2013: NBA debut
On October 13, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks at the age of 18, becoming one of the youngest NBA players ever.
2013: Greek League All-Star Game Participant
During the 2012-13 Greek A2 League season, coaches selected Giannis Antetokounmpo as a special participant in the 2013 Greek League All-Star Game as a treat for the fans.
2013: Selected in the NBA draft
In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the NBA draft and was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
2014: Played with Greek National Team
From 2014 to 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's Greek national team in 37 official games, in major FIBA tournaments, scoring 725 points with a scoring average of 19.6 points per game.
2014: Youngest Finals MVP since Kawhi Leonard
In 2014, Giannis Antetokounmpo at 26 years, 226 days old, became the youngest NBA Finals MVP since Kawhi Leonard.
2014: First Appearance with Greek National Basketball Team
In 2014, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the senior men's Greek national basketball team for the first time, contributing to Greece's ninth-place finish in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
February 6, 2015: Career high in points and 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: Participation in EuroBasket 2015
In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for the Greek national team at EuroBasket 2015, where they reached the quarter-finals and finished fifth overall. Antetokounmpo recorded three double-doubles and led the team in rebounds.
2015: Received Nigerian citizenship
In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his Nigerian passport, granting him dual citizenship.
2015: Scoring average increased
In the 2015–16 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo's scoring average upped 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 108–101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the youngest Buck to achieve this.
July 2016: Military Service in Greece
In July 2016, Giannis and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory military service in Greece. They served a reduced three-month term due to being permanent overseas residents.
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 Bucks.
2016: Established as devastating slasher and transition scorer
By the 2016-17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo had established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers due to his size and speed.
2016: Played at the Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament
In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with Greece at the 2016 Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, averaging 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: Leading the Bucks in statistical categories
In the 2016-17 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories. He also became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
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 his first such award and the first for a Buck since January 2004.
April 15, 2017: Playoff career-high points
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: Start of impressive season
Giannis Antetokounmpo began the 2017-18 season on a tear, scoring 175 points over the first five games.
2017: Missed EuroBasket 2017 due to injury
In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the EuroBasket 2017 tournament due to a knee injury, despite scoring 20 points in a preparation game against Montenegro.
2017: Analysis of driving ability
In 2017, an analysis by Stats SportVU showed that Giannis Antetokounmpo could cover slightly more than 15 feet off a single dribble when driving to the basket, which was 5 feet further than the average player in the league.
2017: NBA Most Improved Player
In the 2016-17 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the NBA Most Improved Player award.
2018: Bucks defensive rating
In 2018–19 the Bucks flourished into one of the league's best defensive teams.
2018: Bucks started the season with consecutive victories
Starting from the 2018–19 season, under new coach Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks began the season with seven consecutive victories.
July 16, 2019: Thanasis signs with the Milwaukee Bucks
On July 16, 2019, Thanasis Antetokounmpo signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.
October 24, 2019: Triple-double in season-opening win
On October 24, 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double with 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, Giannis Antetokounmpo was responsible for 57.8% of the points the Bucks scored while he was on the floor.
2019: Played in FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo represented Greece at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the first reigning NBA MVP to participate. Greece finished 11th after failing to advance past the second round.
2019: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2019: NBA Most Valuable Player Award
In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
2019: Toronto Raptors neutralize paint dominance
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors built a 'wall' of lengthy defenders to neutralize Antetokounmpo's paint dominance, leading him to increase his jump-shooting output.
2019: Bucks defensive rating
In 2019–20 the Bucks flourished into one of the league's best defensive teams.
2019: Team Giannis' first All-Star Game win
On February 19, 2023, Team Giannis won the 2023 NBA All-Star Game 184–175, marking their first (and only) win in an NBA All-Star Game, having previously lost in 2019 and 2020.
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: $100,000 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: Signs 5-year extension with the Bucks
On December 15, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo re-signed with the Bucks, agreeing to a 5-year, $228 million extension, which was the largest in league history at the time.
2020: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2020: NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
2020: Team Giannis' first All-Star Game win
On February 19, 2023, Team Giannis won the 2023 NBA All-Star Game 184–175, marking their first (and only) win in an NBA All-Star Game, having previously lost in 2019 and 2020.
June 29, 2021: Knee Injury in Game 4
On June 29, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left knee injury during the third quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks after colliding with Clint Capela.
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, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his first NBA championship ring in the pre-game ceremony and 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 Finals MVP.
January 13, 2022: Multiple 30-Point Triple-Doubles in 30 Minutes
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: 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.
August 2022: Partnership with Calamos Advisors for Sustainable Equities Fund
In August 2022, Calamos Advisors announced a partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo to launch the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund, an exchange-traded fund investing in sustainable firms.
August 2022: Rejoined the Greek National Team
In August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Greek national team, preparing for upcoming competitions.
August 25, 2022: Scored career-high 40 points for national team
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 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 focuses on the immigrant employees at an American flag factory. He expressed that the project was inspiring and deeply personal to him as an immigrant.
2022: Franchise Career Free Throws Leader
In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the franchise career free throws leader, surpassing Sidney Moncrief.
2022: Release of "Rise" film
In 2022, the film "Rise", based on the life of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family, was released.
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 Antetokounmpo, 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 Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex became shareholders and owners of the Canadian online confectionary retailer, Candy Funhouse.
September 2023: Executive Producer of Reality TV Show
In September 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo 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.
October 23, 2023: Signed $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: Assists per game
During the 2023–24 season, Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game.
2023: Participated in World Cup Qualifiers
In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo participated in the World Cup qualifiers with the Greek national team.
2023: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2023: Elimination in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs
In the 2023 NBA playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks faced the Miami Heat and were eliminated in five games, despite Antetokounmpo's efforts.
January 24, 2024: Recorded 42nd career triple-double against the Cavaliers
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, the Greek Olympic Committee designated Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with race walker Antigoni Drisbioti, as the flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, 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, with Khris Middleton as the best man.
November 13, 2024: Scored 59 points in Overtime Win Against Pistons
On November 13, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 59 points, along with 14 rebounds and seven assists, in a 127–120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons.
2024: Carried Greek flag at 2024 Summer Olympics
At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Giannis Antetokounmpo carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies and represented Greece in the group stage. He averaged a tournament high 25.8 points and was named to the tournament's All-Second Team.
2024: Assists per game
During the 2024–25 season, Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game.
2024: Played with Greek National Team
From 2014 to 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's Greek national team in 37 official games, in major FIBA tournaments, scoring 725 points with a scoring average of 19.6 points per game.
2024: NBA Cup MVP
In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to win the 2nd edition of the NBA Cup, where he was named NBA Cup MVP.
2024: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
January 2, 2025: Longest streak in NBA history
On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points on 12-of-24 shooting, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. It was his 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field, the longest streak in NBA history.
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