History of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Timeline

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek and Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is renowned for his exceptional athleticism, earning him the moniker "Greek Freak." He is considered one of the greatest players and power forwards in NBA history, recognized for his unique combination of size, speed, and strength.

Sections (4)

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

1968: Compared to Wilt Chamberlain

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain was the first player since then, to have 70 points, 30 rebounds and 30 assists over any 2-game span.

1971: Bucks' Previous NBA Championship

In 1971, prior to Giannis leading them to a championship, the Milwaukee Bucks last won an NBA championship.

1972: First player to total 200+ points, 80+ rebounds, and 30+ assists over a 5-game span since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

In 1972, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a similar record. On January 3, 2023, Antetokounmpo became the first player to total 200+ points, 80+ rebounds, and 30+ assists over a 5-game span since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1976: Other players to achieve multiple games of 40 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists since the NBA–ABA Merger

Since the NBA–ABA Merger in 1976–77 season, Charles Barkley and Antetokounmpo are the only players to achieve multiple games of 40 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists.

1988: Michael Jordan wins MVP and DPOY in the same season

In 1988, Michael Jordan won 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 Ougko Antetokounmpo, also known as Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo, was born in Athens, Greece. He is now a professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

December 6, 1994: Birth in Athens, Greece

On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Hakeem Olajuwon wins MVP and DPOY in the same season

In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon won both the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

2000: Joins O'Neal in Finals record

In the 2000, Shaquille O'Neal achieved back-to-back games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds during the Finals, a feat Giannis Antetokounmpo later matched.

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 since 2001 after scoring 41 points in a 127–104 win in Game 4 over the Detroit Pistons for a four-game sweep.

2007: Started Playing Basketball

In 2007, Giannis Antetokounmpo started playing basketball.

2011: Played in Greek B Basket League

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 Nowitzki

In 2011, Dirk Nowitzki was the first European Finals MVP. Giannis was the first since then.

2011: Started playing for Filathlitikos senior team

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

October 28, 2012: Baptism in the Greek Orthodox Church

On October 28, 2012, Giannis Antetokounmpo was baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church along with his brother Alex.

December 2012: Signed with CAI Zaragoza

In December 2012, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a four-year deal with Spanish club CAI Zaragoza, including NBA buyouts after each season.

2012: Played in the Greek A2 League

In 2012, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the Greek A2 League and shot 46.4% from the field (62.1% on two-point field goals), 31.3% from three-point range, and 72.0% from the free throw line.

April 28, 2013: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 28, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo officially declared himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft.

May 9, 2013: Issued Greek Citizenship

On May 9, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was issued Greek citizenship.

July 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 them to a fifth-place finish.

July 30, 2013: Signed with Milwaukee Bucks

On July 30, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed his rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee Bucks and selected jersey number 34.

October 13, 2013: NBA Debut

On October 13, 2013, at 18 years old, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut as one of the youngest players ever.

2013: Selected in the NBA Draft

In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the NBA draft and was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

2013: Greek League All-Star Game Special Participant

In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as a special participant in the Greek League All-Star Game, even though he was not eligible to be voted as an all-star.

2014: Played for the 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.

2014: Youngest Finals MVP since Leonard

In 2014, Kawhi Leonard was the youngest player named Finals MVP. Giannis was the youngest since then.

February 6, 2015: Career-High 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: Increased Scoring Average

During the 2015-16 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo developed further, increasing his scoring average to almost 17 points per game.

2015: EuroBasket 2015

In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Greek national team for EuroBasket 2015, where they finished fifth overall with a 7–1 record.

2015: Received Nigerian Passport

In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his Nigerian passport, obtaining dual citizenship.

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.

July 2016: Military Service in Greece

In July 2016, Giannis and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory, but reduced, three-month military service in Greece due to their permanent overseas residency.

September 19, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Bucks

On September 19, 2016, Giannis 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

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

2016: Led the Bucks in five major statistical categories

In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories.

2016: Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with Greece at the 2016 Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where Greece failed to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

April 3, 2017: Named 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.

April 15, 2017: Playoff Career-High Points

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

September 2017: Death of Father, Charles Antetokounmpo

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

2017: Began the season strong

Giannis Antetokounmpo began the 2017-18 season on a tear, scoring 175 points over the first five games.

2017: NBA Most Improved Player Award

In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the NBA Most Improved Player award.

2018: Bucks achieve sustained team success

Starting from the 2018-19 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks achieved a period of sustained team success. Under new coach Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks began the season with seven consecutive victories and went 25–10 before the New Year.

July 16, 2019: Thanasis Signs 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 started 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: First NBA All-Star Selection as captain

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his first NBA All-Star selection and was chosen as an All-Star captain. He also led the Eastern Conference in voting.

2019: FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo represented Greece at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the first reigning NBA MVP to play in a World Cup.

2019: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

2019: Lost in the NBA All-Star Game

In 2019, Team Giannis lost in an NBA All-Star Game.

2019: NBA League Leader in Defensive Rating

In 2019, with Antetokounmpo playing a 'free safety' role, the Bucks led the NBA in defensive rating, showcasing his impact as an elite defensive player.

January 23, 2020: Named 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, Antetokounmpo and his family pledged to donate $100,000 to the staff of the Fiserv Forum who were unable to work due to the suspension of the 2019-20 NBA season from the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 18, 2020: Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award

On September 18, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award. He joined 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: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2020, Antetokounmpo won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award for his exceptional defensive contributions.

2020: Second NBA All-Star Selection as captain

In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his second NBA All-Star selection and was chosen as an All-Star captain. He also led the Eastern Conference in voting.

2020: Second NBA MVP Award and Defensive Player of the Year

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.

2020: Lost in the NBA All-Star Game

In 2020, Team Giannis lost in an NBA All-Star Game.

June 29, 2021: Suffers Knee Injury

On June 29, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an injury to his left knee during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks.

August 20, 2021: Minority Owner of the 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 Championship Ring and Wins Season Opener

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.

January 13, 2022: Leads Bucks to Win Over Warriors with Triple-Double

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, tying Michael Jordan's career mark of 28 triple-doubles.

February 8, 2022: Scores 44 Points Against 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, marking his 20th straight game recording at least 25 points.

August 2022: Partnership with Calamos Advisors on Sustainable Equities Fund

In August 2022, Calamos Advisors announced their collaboration with Antetokounmpo to create the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund, an exchange-traded fund investing in sustainable firms.

August 25, 2022: 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 National Geographic's 'The Flagmakers'

In September 2022, Antetokounmpo joined as an executive producer for National Geographic's documentary "The Flagmakers", a project he found inspiring due to its focus on immigrant employees at an American flag factory.

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2022: Played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece

In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece, his second of such tournament.

2022: Release of the Film 'Rise'

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

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2022: Franchise career free throws leader

In the second game of the 2022–23 season, Antetokounmpo became the franchise career free throws leader.

January 3, 2023: Career-High 55 Points Against Wizards

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, along with his brothers, became minority owners in the Major League Soccer club Nashville SC, showcasing his passion for soccer.

June 2023: Shareholder and Owner of Candy Funhouse

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

September 2023: Birth of Third Child, Eva

In September 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger welcomed their first daughter and third child, Eva.

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.

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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: Assists per Game

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking skills.

2023: Third NBA All-Star Selection as captain

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his third NBA All-Star selection and was chosen as an All-Star captain. He also led the Eastern Conference in voting.

2023: Eliminated in First Round of Playoffs

In the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were eliminated in five games by the Miami Heat.

January 24, 2024: Recorded 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: Greek Flag Bearer Designation

On July 10, 2024, the Hellenic Olympic Committee designated Giannis Antetokounmpo and race walker Antigoni Drisbioti as the Greek flag bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

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: Recorded 59 points against 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.

2024: Carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies

At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Giannis Antetokounmpo carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies and represented Greece in the group stage.

2024: Assists per Game

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game, maintaining his high level of playmaking.

2024: Fourth NBA All-Star Selection as captain

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his fourth NBA All-Star selection and was chosen as an All-Star captain. He also led the Eastern Conference in voting.

January 2, 2025: Longest streak in NBA history

On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo had his 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field, the longest streak in NBA history.

November 3, 2025: Buzzer-beater against the Indiana Pacers

On November 3, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 33 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and hit a buzzer-beater to lift the Bucks over the Indiana Pacers 117–115.