Although Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is one of the biggest names in the NBA, he’s not as famous or beloved as LeBron James or Michael Jordan.
Well, not in the United States, that is.
Speaking to the New York Times, via Bleacher Report, Antetokounmpo opened up about how celebrated he is back in his home country of Greece.
“The way LeBron James is or Michael Jordan is for the States, the same way I am for Greece. Maybe larger,” Antetokounmpo said.
Giannis on his popularity in Greece compared to LeBron and Jordan 👀
(via @nytimes) pic.twitter.com/uSI0N5FLj6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 25, 2023
That makes total sense: Antetokounmpo is definitely the most famous basketball player to ever come out of that country.
Since being born in Athens, Antetokounmpo has become one of the biggest NBA stars of all time.
During his ten years in the league, he has been a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA player, winner of the Defensive Player of the Year, MVP for two seasons, and also scored an NBA championship and a Finals MVP trophy.
The big man is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of this generation.
But even with all the success he has found, Antetokounmpo isn’t as big as James or Jordan and probably never will be.
Of course, few people are ever compared to those so not reaching their level isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Is there anything Antetokounmpo can do to be talked about like James and Jordan are?
He could win a few more Finals and that might increase his standing among NBA fans.
That’s exactly what he is trying to do now.
Last season had a painful ending for the Bucks but Antetokounmpo is adamant about that not happening again in 2023-24.
NEXT: Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals The Best Moment Of His NBA Career
