Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise to stardom almost never happened.
The 24-year-old, three-time all-star and MVP candidate nearly gave up on his NBA career after his family was declined twice for an American Visa.
“We were stressed because the law says if you were declined three times, it’s done,” Antetokounmpo’s European agent Giorgos Panou said in a TNT documentary called “Finding Giannis.” (full doc below)
Panou continued: “And then he start calling me to say, ‘If that’s going to happen a third time and they cannot come, I’m leaving.'”
Antetokounmpo’s rookie season as a 19-year-old, transitioning to American life was difficult without his family by his side, according to his American-based agent Alex Sartsis.
“He was vulnerable,” Sartsis said. “He was scared. He would sleep in the gym because he had no reason to go home. He didn’t want to go home. He was alone.”
Antetokounmpo has four brothers. One plays for the Dallas Mavs. Another plays overseas. And two are attending Dominican High School near Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo has led the Bucks to the NBA’s best record at the all-star break (43-14).
The Greek Freak is an MVP favorite averaging career-highs in points (27.2), rebounds (12.7) and assists (6.0).
