History of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Timeline
Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the "Greek Freak," is a Nigerian-Greek professional basketball player renowned for his exceptional athleticism and versatility. Playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, he is considered one of the greatest power forwards and players in basketball history. His unique combination of size, speed, and strength has made him a dominant force on the court. He is a significant figure in modern basketball.
1963: Birth year of Charles Antetokounmpo
Giannis wears the number 34 in honor of his parents, who were born in 1963 and 1964. Charles Antetokounmpo was born in 1963.
1964: Birth year of Veronica Antetokounmpo
Giannis wears the number 34 in honor of his parents, who were born in 1963 and 1964. Veronica Antetokounmpo was born in 1964.
February 1971: Bucks' Best Month Since February 1971
In March 2017, Antetokounmpo helped the Bucks achieve their first calendar month with at least 14 victories since February 1971.
1971: Bucks' First NBA Championship Since 1971
In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971.
1972: Since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972
In January 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first player to total 200+ points, 80+ rebounds, and 30+ assists over a 5-game span since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972.
1976: NBA–ABA Merger
Since the NBA–ABA Merger in the 1976–77 season, Charles Barkley and Antetokounmpo are the only players to do this multiple times.
1988: Michael Jordan Won Both Awards
In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in the same season.
December 6, 1994: Giannis Antetokounmpo Born
On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo (né Adetokunbo) was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian parents. He is now a professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA.
1994: Hakeem Olajuwon Won Both Awards
In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon won both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in the same season.
2000: Joins Shaquille O'Neal in Finals Record
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal reached the numbers to back-to-back games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
2000: Shaquille O'Neal tallies 60-plus points without a three-point basket
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last player before Antetokounmpo to score 60-plus points without making a three-point basket.
2001: Dirk Nowitzki tallies high points in a EuroBasket game
In 2001, Dirk Nowitzki was the last player before Antetokounmpo to tally such high points in a EuroBasket game.
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: Previous Bucks Player of the Month
In January 2004, Michael Redd was the last Milwaukee Bucks player to win the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award before Antetokounmpo in April 2017.
2006: Matching Longest Streak by a Bucks Player
In 2006, Michael Redd had the longest streak of at least 20 points in 14 consecutive games, matching Giannis' streak against the New York Knicks.
2007: Started Playing Basketball
In 2007, Giannis Antetokounmpo started playing basketball.
2011: Played for Filathlitikos Senior Team
During the 2011–12 season, Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's team of Filathlitikos in the semi-pro Greek B Basket League (Third Division).
2011: First European Since Dirk Nowitzki as Finals MVP
In 2011, Dirk Nowitzki was the first European player to be named Finals MVP.
October 28, 2012: Baptism in the Greek Orthodox Church
On October 28, 2012, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brother Alex were baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church.
December 2012: Signed Deal with CAI Zaragoza
In December 2012, a few days after turning 18, Antetokounmpo signed a four-year deal with Spanish club CAI Zaragoza, reportedly including NBA buyouts after each season.
2012: Played in Greek A2 League
During the 2012–13 Greek A2 League season, Antetokounmpo played and averaged 22.5 minutes per game.
April 28, 2013: Declared Eligible for NBA Draft
On April 28, 2013, 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, less than two months before the NBA draft.
July 2013: Represented Greece at 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. He helped Greece to an 8–2 record and a fifth-place overall finish.
July 30, 2013: Signed Rookie Contract with Bucks
On July 30, 2013, Antetokounmpo signed his rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
October 13, 2013: NBA Debut
On October 13, 2013, Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks at the age of 18 years, 311 days.
2013: NBA Draft Selection
In 2013, Antetokounmpo entered the NBA draft and was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
2013: Special Participant in Greek League All-Star Game
In 2013, Antetokounmpo was selected as a special participant in the Greek League All-Star Game, even though he was not officially selected as an all-star.
2014: Played with the senior men's Greek national team
From 2014, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's Greek national team.
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: Youngest Finals MVP Since Kawhi Leonard
In 2014, Kawhi Leonard was the youngest player to be named Finals MVP.
2014: Thanasis Drafted by New York Knicks
In 2014, Thanasis was drafted by the New York Knicks with the 51st overall pick.
February 6, 2015: Career-High 27 Points and 15 Rebounds
On February 6, 2015, Antetokounmpo recorded a then career-high 27 points and 15 rebounds in a loss to the Houston Rockets.
2015: Scoring Average Increased
During the 2015–16 season, Antetokounmpo's scoring average increased to almost 17 points per game, indicating further individual development.
2015: Received Nigerian Passport
In 2015, Antetokounmpo received his Nigerian passport, obtaining dual citizenship.
February 22, 2016: First Career Triple-Double
On February 22, 2016, 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 at 21 years old.
July 2016: Military Service in Greece
In July 2016, Giannis and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory military service in Greece, serving a reduced three-month term due to their status as permanent overseas residents.
September 19, 2016: Signed $100 Million Contract Extension
On September 19, 2016, Antetokounmpo agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks.
2016: Established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers
By the 2016–17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo had established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers, known for his rare combination of size and speed.
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.
2016: Thanasis plays for Andorra
In 2016, Thanasis played for Andorra during the 2016-17 season.
2016: Led Bucks in Five Major Statistical Categories
In 2016–17, Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories.
April 3, 2017: Eastern Conference Player of the Month
On April 3, 2017, Antetokounmpo was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in March, the first such award for a Buck since January 2004.
April 15, 2017: Playoff Career-High 28 Points
On April 15, 2017, 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
Charles Antetokounmpo, Giannis' father, died in September 2017, at age 54.
2017: Established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers
By the 2016–17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo had established himself as one of the league's most devastating slashers and transition scorers, known for his rare combination of size and speed.
2017: Most Improved Player Award
In 2017, Antetokounmpo received the NBA Most Improved Player award.
2017: Missed EuroBasket 2017 due to a knee injury
In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the EuroBasket 2017 tournament, due to a knee injury.
2017: Began Season with High Scoring Games
In the 2017–18 season, Antetokounmpo began strongly, scoring 175 points over the first five games. He earned his second straight All-Star nomination and All-NBA selection.
2018: Orchestrated the team's offense
During the 2018–19 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was responsible (through assisting and personally scoring) for 57.8% of the points the Bucks scored while he was on the floor.
2018: Kostas Drafted into the NBA
In 2018, Kostas Antetokounmpo was selected with the last pick in the NBA draft after playing college basketball for Dayton.
2018: NBA in defensive rating
In 2018–19, with Antetokounmpo's defensive role, the Bucks led the NBA in defensive rating.
2018: Bucks Began a Period of Sustained Team Success
Starting from the 2018–19 season, 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 after playing for Andorra and Panathinaikos.
October 24, 2019: Triple-Double in Season Opener
On October 24, 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo started the 2019–20 season with a triple-double, achieving 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 117–111 victory over the Houston Rockets.
2019: Orchestrated the team's offense
During the 2019–20 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was responsible (through assisting and personally scoring) for 57.8% of the points the Bucks scored while he was on the floor.
2019: First All-Star Captain Selection
In 2019, Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2019: NBA Most Valuable Player Award
In 2019, Antetokounmpo won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
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 play in a World Cup.
2019: Previous Loss in an NBA All-Star Game
In 2019, Team Giannis had previously lost in an NBA All-Star Game.
2019: Toronto Raptors built a 'wall' of lengthy defenders
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors built a 'wall' of lengthy, adept defenders to neutralize Giannis Antetokounmpo's paint dominance in their Conference Finals victory.
2019: NBA in defensive rating
In 2019–20, with Antetokounmpo's defensive role, the Bucks led the NBA in defensive rating.
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
In February 2020, Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to her and Giannis Antetokounmpo's first son, Liam.
March 13, 2020: Pledge 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 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 18, 2020: Second Consecutive MVP Award
On September 18, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo secured his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award, making him one of the few players to win both MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, joining Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan.
December 15, 2020: Re-signs with the Bucks
On December 15, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo re-signed with the Bucks on a 5-year, $228 million extension, making it the largest deal in league history.
2020: Won the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
For his defensive efforts, Giannis Antetokounmpo won the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and he has become a perennial NBA All-Defensive honoree.
2020: Second All-Star Captain Selection
In 2020, Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the second time, again leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2020: Second Consecutive NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
In 2020, Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
2020: Kostas Wins NBA Championship
In 2020, Giannis' younger brother, Kostas, won the NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2020: Previous Loss in an NBA All-Star Game
In 2020, Team Giannis had previously lost in an NBA All-Star Game.
June 29, 2021: Knee Injury in Eastern Conference Finals
On June 29, 2021, during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks, Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a left knee injury after colliding with Clint Capela, leading to a hyperextension. He was ruled out for Games 5 and 6, but MRI results showed no ligament tears.
August 2021: Birth of Second Son
In August 2021, Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to her and Giannis Antetokounmpo's 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: NBA Championship Ring and Season-Opening Win
On October 19, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his first NBA championship ring in a pre-game ceremony and then recorded 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in a 127–104 season-opening victory over the Nets.
2021: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971 and was named Finals MVP.
2021: Kostas Signed with ASVEL Basket
In 2021, Kostas signed with ASVEL Basket, part of the French Betclic Élite and the EuroLeague.
January 13, 2022: Multiple 30-Point Triple-Doubles
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, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 44 points with 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks against the Lakers in a 131–116 win.
August 2022: Worked with Calamos Advisors on an exchange-traded fund
In August 2022, Calamos Advisors announced that they would work with Giannis Antetokounmpo on an exchange-traded fund that invests in sustainable firms that would be called the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund.
August 2022: Rejoined the Greek national team
In August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Greek national team.
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: Joined as an executive producer for National Geographic's documentary "The Flagmakers"
In September 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined as an executive producer for National Geographic's documentary "The Flagmakers", which focuses on the large population of immigrant employees working at an American flag factory.
2022: Franchise Career Free Throws Leader
In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the franchise career free throws leader. On October 22, in the second game of the 2022–23 season, Antetokounmpo recorded 44 points and 12 rebounds.
2022: Played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece
In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece. He averaged 29.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
2022: Release of "Rise" Film
In 2022, the film "Rise", based on the life of Antetokounmpo and his family, was released.
January 3, 2023: Career-High 55 Points
On January 3, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a then career-high 55 points, along with 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, 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 became shareholders and owners of the Canadian online confectionary retailer, Candy Funhouse, overseen by Ante Inc.
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.
September 2023: Birth of Daughter, Eva
In September 2023, Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to her and Giannis Antetokounmpo's daughter, Eva.
October 23, 2023: Signed three-year extension with the Bucks
On October 23, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $186 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks.
2023: Third All-Star Captain Selection
In 2023, Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the third time, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2023: Playoff Elimination
In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks faced the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs and were eliminated in five games, despite Antetokounmpo's strong performance in Game 5.
2023: Played in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers
In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for Greece in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
January 24, 2024: Recorded his 42nd career triple-double
On January 24, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his 42nd career triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 blocks in a 126–116 win 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 and race walker Antigoni Drisbioti as the flag bearers for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
September 1, 2024: Marriage to Mariah Riddlesprigger
On September 1, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger got married in a private ceremony at the Costa Navarino resort near Pylos, with Khris Middleton as the best man.
November 13, 2024: Recorded 59 points in win over the Detroit Pistons
On November 13, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 59 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in a 127–120 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons.
November 2024: Announcement of Fourth Child
In November 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger announced that they were expecting their fourth child.
2024: Carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies
At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Giannis Antetokounmpo carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies. He averaged a tournament high 25.8 points along with 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists in 4 games played, while shooting 67.8% from the field.
2024: NBA Cup Win
In 2024, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to win the 2nd edition of the NBA Cup, where he was named NBA Cup MVP.
2024: Fourth All-Star Captain Selection
In 2024, Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the fourth time, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2024: Played with the senior men's Greek national team
Until 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with the senior men's Greek national team in major FIBA tournaments.
January 2, 2025: Longest streak in NBA history
On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 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. 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.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Ukraine is an Eastern European country the second largest on...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Shaquille O'Neal or Shaq is a retired American professional basketball...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American basketball player widely considered...
Trending
11 minutes ago King Charles Briefly Hospitalized Due to Cancer Treatment Side Effects, Later Released
11 minutes ago Timothy Snyder leaves Yale for U of T, citing Trump's far-right pressure.
11 minutes ago Orioles bolster outfield with O'Neill; Cowser's fantasy potential; Mullins remains key.
6 days ago Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Former Broncos WR, Joins Giants: A New Receiver for New York
1 hour ago Brendan Rodgers secures final Astros roster spot, former Gold Glove second baseman.
1 hour ago Barcelona vs. Osasuna: Preview, live stream details, and scheduling concerns in LaLiga.
Popular
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Jasmine Crockett is an American lawyer and politician currently serving...
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed CR is a Portuguese professional footballer widely...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician...
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast renowned as the...