Giannis Antetokounmpo is laser-focused on winning an NBA title in Milwaukee, and has turned down numerous lucrative off-court opportunities.
Antetokounmpo and his longtime girlfriend welcomed the couple’s first child this week, and The Greek Freak says fatherhood “makes you more mature.”
The League’s 25-year-old reigning MVP is averaging career highs in points (30.0) and rebounds (13.5) on 54.9% shooting for the NBA-leading 46-7 Bucks.
Per ESPN:
“It is definitely [motivating me],” Antetokounmpo told ESPN. “I try to be around kids as much as possible; I try to learn and ask questions. I’m excited. It’s exciting. That’s something where no matter what goes on at work or anything, you go back home and you’re happy because your little boy is there.”
He told ESPN earlier this year that he didn’t anticipate spending significant time away from the team after his son was born, saying he was locked in on his goal of bringing Milwaukee its first title since 1971.
“Hell no,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’ve got a job to do.”
The newborn’s middle name, Charles, was the name of the brothers’ late father, Charles, who moved the family from their native Nigeria to Greece shortly before Thanasis was born.
“I know there are a lot of things that come with being a celebrity, being on the front page covers and all that, but it really doesn’t excite me,” Antetokounmpo said. “There’s a lot of things that I’ve turned down. I’ve turned down movies, commercials, endorsement deals this year because I really don’t care. I just want to win. I want to help my teammates win. I want to help this city, bring a championship to this city.”
