No fraternizing with the enemy

Giannis Antetokounmpo is without doubt one of the brightest stars the NBA has to supply. He’s a two-time league MVP, NBA Champion, Finals MVP, seven-time All-Star, and All-NBA choice, amongst many different accolades. You may surprise how a man who’s achieved a lot earlier than age 30 retains the hearth lit to return again higher annually. In keeping with Antetokounmpo, he retains his edge by not figuring out with energetic NBA gamers within the offseason.

Antetokounmpo is taking the old-school way of living within the NBA, and clearly, it’s labored in his favor. Having not grown up in the USA and having been subjected to the AAU circuit has most likely been a blessing for Antetokounmpo. As he says within the clip, being round folks due to his real persona, he makes mates rapidly. Had he been within the States going by means of highschool and AAU ball, touring everywhere in the nation, and taking part in with different high expertise, his profession might have been very totally different.

That is one scenario the place being the loner or odd man out is advantageous. We see different NBA gamers (primarily stars) posting movies on social media in the course of the summer season of their exercises with guys who oppose them in the course of the season. Giannis clearly has no time nor the need to have interaction in these actions. Some may assume it’s lame, but when that retains him among the many high 5 opponents within the Association, then go for it.

As a five-time All-Defensive staff choice and Defensive Participant of the Yr recipient, Giannis wants some intimidation issue over opponents, particularly within the paint. You at all times desire a man to assume twice earlier than going inside. Antetokounmpo additionally talked about figuring out with Hakeem Olajuwon, which extra huge males needs to be doing. Olajuwon was an impressive participant and underrated within the dialog of all-time greats on the middle place.

Nevertheless, Giannis chooses to go about his offseason routine needs to be applauded as a result of it’s clearly labored up to now. Perhaps this can change as he begins to say no effectively into his 30s, however don’t count on him to take part in a session anytime quickly with the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or another huge names throughout the league. It seems like Antetokounmpo, alright, being the outsider among the many superstars of the NBA.