Giannis Antetokounmpo's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Nigerian-Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is nicknamed the "Greek Freak" due to his unique combination of size, speed, and strength. He is considered one of the greatest power forwards and overall players in NBA history.

Sections (4)

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

1968: Wilt Chamberlain's achievement

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain had a similar record to Antetokounmpo in terms of points and rebounds over a two-game span.

1971: Bucks Win NBA Championship

In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship.

1988: Michael Jordan Wins MVP and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1988, Michael Jordan was the first player to win both the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

1994: Hakeem Olajuwon Wins MVP and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon was the second player to win both the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

2000: Shaquille O'Neal's achievement

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last player before Giannis Antetokounmpo to tally 60-plus points without a made three-point basket.

2001: Dirk Nowitzki's EuroBasket record

In 2001, Dirk Nowitzki set the record for most points scored in a EuroBasket game since Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points in 2022.

2013: Special Participant in the Greek League All-Star Game

In 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected by coaches as a special participant in the Greek League All-Star Game, even though he wasn't officially an all-star due to playing in Greece's second division.

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 game against the Houston Rockets.

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, becoming the youngest Buck to achieve this feat at 21 years old.

2016: Led Bucks in major statistical categories

In 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories: 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 the first such award of his career.

April 15, 2017: Playoff Career-High

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.

2017: Most Improved Player Award

In 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the NBA's Most Improved Player award, acknowledging his significant development and impact on the Milwaukee Bucks.

2018: Sustained Team Success

Starting from the 2018–19 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks achieved a period of sustained team success.

2019: First All-Star Captain Selection

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the first time, leading the Eastern Conference in voting and solidifying his status as a prominent player in the NBA.

2019: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

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.

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.

2020: Second All-Star Captain Selection

In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the second time, continuing to lead the Eastern Conference in voting and demonstrating his consistent popularity and impact in the NBA.

2020: Consecutive NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Awards

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, achieving a rare feat.

2020: Kostas won the NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2020, Kostas Antetokounmpo won the 2020 NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2020: Won the 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2020, for his defensive efforts, Antetokounmpo won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and he has become a perennial NBA All-Defensive honoree.

October 19, 2021: Receives First NBA Championship Ring

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, capping off a dominant season.

January 13, 2022: Triple-Double against the 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.

2022: Played in the EuroBasket 2022 with Greece

In September 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo played in the EuroBasket tournament with Greece. He finished the tournament as the 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.

2023: Third All-Star Captain Selection

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the third time, once again leading the Eastern Conference in voting and highlighting his enduring prominence in the NBA.

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

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, Giannis Antetokounmpo was designated by the Greek Olympic Committee as a flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, alongside race walker Antigoni Drisbioti, recognizing his sporting achievements.

2024: NBA Cup Win and MVP

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to win the 2nd edition of the NBA Cup, where he was also named NBA Cup MVP, marking another significant achievement in his career.

2024: Participated in the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo participated in the Summer Olympics, carrying the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremonies. He was later named to the tournament's All-Second Team.

2024: Fourth All-Star Captain Selection

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as an All-Star captain for the fourth time, reaffirming his consistent leadership in the Eastern Conference in voting and continued impact in the NBA.

January 2, 2025: 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting

On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field, the longest streak in NBA history, while putting up 27 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a 113–110 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.