History of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Timeline
Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the "Greek Freak," is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He is considered one of the greatest players and power forwards in NBA history, known for his unique combination of size, speed, and strength. He is a dominant force on both ends of the court and has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His impact on the sport extends beyond statistics, making him a global icon.
2 hours ago : Giannis Antetokounmpo Expected to Return Against Celtics After Injury, Bucks Upgrade Status
Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly expected to make his return to the court against the Boston Celtics. The Milwaukee Bucks have upgraded his injury status, signaling his likely participation in the game. ESPN also confirms the news.
1963: Mother's Birth Year
Giannis Antetokounmpo's mother was born in 1963, which he honored by including the last digit of her birth year when he selected 34 as his jersey number on July 30, 2013.
1964: Father's Birth Year
Giannis Antetokounmpo's father was born in 1964, which he honored by including the last digit of his birth year when he selected 34 as his jersey number on July 30, 2013.
1968: Wilt Chamberlain performance
In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a similar feat to Antetokounmpo by recording 70 points, 30 rebounds and 30 assists over a two-game span.
February 1971: Bucks Best Month
In March 2017, Giannis 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 NBA Championship
In 1971, The Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA championship. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to win the championship in 2021, since the 1971 NBA championship.
1988: Michael Jordan won Defensive Player of the Year and NBA MVP Awards
In 1988, Michael Jordan won the Defensive Player of the Year and NBA MVP Awards in the same season. In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the third player, after Michael Jordan (1988) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1994), to win both awards in the same season.
December 6, 1994: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Birth
On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo, later known as Giannis Antetokounmpo, was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents.
1994: Hakeem Olajuwon won Defensive Player of the Year and NBA MVP Awards
In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon won the Defensive Player of the Year and NBA MVP Awards in the same season. In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the third player, after Michael Jordan (1988) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1994), to win both awards in the same season.
2000: Shaquille O'Neal tallies 60-plus points without a made 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 in a game.
2001: Dirk Nowitzki's EuroBasket Performance
In 2001, Dirk Nowitzki set a EuroBasket scoring record that Giannis Antetokounmpo surpassed in 2022.
January 2004: Michael Redd won Eastern Conference Player of the Month
On April 3, 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month, the first for a Buck since Michael Redd won the award in January 2004.
2006: Matched longest streak by a Bucks player since Michael Redd in 2006
With 25 points against the Knicks 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 Adetokunbo started playing basketball.
2009: Greece wins last medal
Before 2025, the last time Greece won a medal at the EuroBasket was in 2009.
2011: Played with 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: Started playing for Filathlitikos senior team
In 2011, Giannis Antetokounmpo began playing basketball for the senior team of Filathlitikos in Athens.
October 28, 2012: Baptized in 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, reportedly including NBA buyouts after each season.
2012: Played in the Greek A2 League
During the 2012-13 Greek A2 League season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the Greek A2 League.
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 Adetokunbo was issued Greek citizenship, less than two months before the NBA draft.
July 2013: Debut with Greek Under-20 National Team
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, contributing to an 8–2 record and a fifth-place finish.
July 30, 2013: Signed with the Milwaukee Bucks
On July 30, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed his rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee Bucks and selected 34 as his jersey number.
October 13, 2013: NBA Debut
On October 13, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks at the age of 18 years and 311 days, becoming one of the youngest NBA players ever.
2013: Participated in Greek League All-Star Game
During the 2012–13 Greek A2 League season, coaches selected Giannis Antetokounmpo as a special participant in the 2013 Greek League All-Star Game, even though he wasn't eligible to be an all-star.
2013: NBA Draft
In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the NBA draft and was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
2014: Statistics for the Greek national team
From 2014 to 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored a total of 902 points in 44 official games with the senior men's Greek national team, averaging 20.5 points per game.
2014: First time playing 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.
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 loss to the Houston Rockets.
2015: Increased Scoring Average
During the 2015-16 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo developed further individually, upping his scoring average to almost 17 points per game.
2015: EuroBasket 2015
In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo played for Greece at EuroBasket 2015, where the team finished fifth with a 7–1 record, and Antetokounmpo recorded three double-doubles.
2015: Received Nigerian citizenship
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 108–101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the youngest Buck to record a triple-double at 21 years old.
July 2016: Mandatory Military Service in Greece
In July 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory military service in Greece, serving a reduced three-month term.
September 19, 2016: Signed $100 Million Contract Extension with the Bucks
On September 19, 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks.
2016: Established as a devastating slasher
By the 2016-17 NBA 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: Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament
In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo played with Greece at the Turin FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 15.3 points per game; however, Greece failed to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2016: Led Bucks in Five Major Statistical Categories
In the 2016-17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
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. The Bucks finished with an Eastern Conference-best 14-4 in March.
April 15, 2017: Playoff career-high 28 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 Father, Charles Antetokounmpo
In September 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo's father, Charles, passed away at the age of 54. Charles was a Nigerian football player.
2017: Strong Start to the Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo started the 2017-18 season strong, scoring 175 points in the first five games and earning his second straight All-Star nomination.
2017: Missed EuroBasket 2017 due to Injury
In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the EuroBasket tournament due to a knee injury, despite scoring 20 points in a preparation game against Montenegro.
2017: NBA Most Improved Player Award
In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the NBA Most Improved Player award.
2017: Antetokounmpo's Euro Step Innovation
In 2017, an analysis highlighted Giannis Antetokounmpo's ability to cover slightly more than 15 feet off a single dribble, and his unique version of the Euro step, making him nearly undefendable when attacking the rim from the three-point arc.
2018: Bucks 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, Giannis Antetokounmpo's brother, Thanasis, signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, joining Giannis on the team.
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: 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. Greece finished 11th, which was considered a disappointing result.
2019: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an NBA 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: Raptors 'wall' neutralized Antetokounmpo
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors built a 'wall' of lengthy defenders to neutralize Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominance in the paint during the Conference Finals, leading to an increase in 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.
March 13, 2020: Pledged $100,000 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 secured 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: 5-year, $228 million 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 NBA All-Star captain for the second consecutive year, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
2020: NBA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year Awards
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: NBA Defensive Player of the Year
In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as an elite defensive player.
2020: Kostas Won NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo's younger brother, Kostas, won the NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
June 29, 2021: Knee injury in Game 4 of Eastern Conference Finals
On June 29, 2021, during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left knee injury after an awkward fall, leading to a hyperextension. He was ruled out for Games 5 and 6, but fortunately, MRI results showed no ligament tears.
August 20, 2021: Became a Minority Owner of the Milwaukee Brewers
On August 20, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball team, expanding his investment portfolio.
October 19, 2021: NBA Championship Ring and Season-Opening Win
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 Finals MVP.
2021: Kostas Signed with ASVEL Basket
In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo's brother, Kostas, signed with ASVEL Basket, part of the French Betclic Élite and the EuroLeague.
January 13, 2022: 30-point triple-double in under 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, becoming the first player to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles in 30 minutes.
February 8, 2022: 44 points with efficient shooting
On February 8, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 44 points with 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 0 turnovers on 17-of-20 shooting in a 131–116 win against the Lakers, marking his 20th straight game recording at least 25 points.
August 2022: Partnership with Calamos Advisors
In August 2022, Calamos Advisors announced their collaboration with Giannis Antetokounmpo on an exchange-traded fund called the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund, focusing on investments in sustainable firms.
August 2022: Rejoined Greek National Team
In August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Greek national team.
August 25, 2022: Career-High 40 Points for National Team
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 National Geographic's documentary "The Flagmakers" as an executive producer, highlighting the stories of immigrant employees at an American flag factory.
2022: Release of the film 'Rise'
In 2022, the film "Rise", based on the life of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family, was released.
January 3, 2023: Then Career-High 55 Points
On January 3, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved a then career-high of 55 points, along with 10 rebounds and seven assists, in a 123–113 victory over the Washington Wizards.
March 2023: Became a 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.
June 2023: Shareholder and Owner of Candy Funhouse
In June 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers expanded their investment portfolio by becoming shareholders and owners of the Canadian online confectionary retailer, Candy Funhouse.
September 2023: Birth of Daughter, 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 Antetokounmpo signed on as an executive producer of a reality TV show created by Candy Funhouse and the producers of Big Brother, called Fly on the Wall.
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: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an NBA All-Star captain, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
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: Designated as Greek flag bearer for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
On July 10, 2024, the Hellenic Olympic Committee designated Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Greek flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, along with race walker Antigoni Drisbioti.
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 teammate Khris Middleton serving as the best man.
November 13, 2024: Recorded 59 points in Overtime Win
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: Averaged 6.5 Assists Per Game
During the 2024-2025 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking abilities with the Milwaukee Bucks.
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: 2024 Summer Olympics
In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo represented Greece at the Summer Olympics, carrying the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies and being named to the tournament's All-Second Team after averaging a tournament-high 25.8 points.
2024: NBA All-Star Captain Selection
In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an NBA All-Star captain for the fourth time, leading the Eastern Conference in voting.
January 2, 2025: Longest streak in NBA history
On January 2, 2025, 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.
May 2025: Birth of Daughter, Aria
In May 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger welcomed their second daughter and fourth child, Aria.
November 3, 2025: Buzzer-Beater Against 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.
2025: Statistics for the Greek national team
From 2014 to 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored a total of 902 points in 44 official games with the senior men's Greek national team, averaging 20.5 points per game.
February 2026: Shareholder in Kalshi
In February 2026, Giannis Antetokounmpo became a shareholder in Kalshi, an online prediction betting platform.
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