Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s still chasing a place among basketball’s greatest, despite an already glittering career.
In an interview with Associated Press, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar reflected on his drive to keep improving while visiting his family home in Athens.
It is at his home that his typical night time routine is to grab some fruit, head out to his balcony to gaze out at his homeland and let time and his mind drift away.
“I just sit out there and think about what’s important for me,” he said. “And every time I come to the conclusion: legacy. What I’m going to be remembered for.”
The 13th-year forward has already secured a championship, two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and more than 20,000 career points. He also led Greece to its first EuroBasket medal in 16 years this summer.
Still, Antetokounmpo insists there’s more to achieve.
“It’s not about stats no more,” he said. “It’s about how can we do great things on the court… Every athlete starts a career with a quest of what they want to be remembered for.”
On his long-term future, Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to Milwaukee — but left the door slightly open.
“I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates,” he said. “Now, in six or seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human, too.”
Asked whether he sees himself among the game’s all-time legends, he didn’t hesitate:
“That’s the goal. I’m not there yet. They’re like top 10 all-time. I’ve got a lot of work to do. But I’m going to be there.”
Earlier this week, the ‘Greek Freak’ revealed that he plans to end his basketball career in Greece.
“I’m 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I’m 36-38. I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not?” he said on ANT1’s The 2night Show.
“I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. I could end my career here, whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris, I’m talking about all the teams now.”
