Why Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Called the Greek Freak?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the paint. He is a freak of nature and everyone can see for themselves. Giannis has had a humble beginning to life in the NBA and is yet one of the most humble players. The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Giannis 15th overall in round 1 of the 2019 NBA Draft. Coming into the league nobody expected much from a skinny and tall kid.

However, it’s not 2011 anymore and is not one to shy away from a battle in the paint. Since his arrival with the Bucks, he is going from strength to strength. He led the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021. Despite suffering from what looked like a horrible injury in game 4 against the Atalanta Hawks, he went all the way. It initially looked like he suffered an  ACL tear, it was nothing more than a hyperextended knee.

Nobody should be able to play after what he suffered, maybe that is why he is called the “Greek Freak”. Giannis Antetokounmpo is named the NBA league MVP twice, 1 NBA title, and a Finals MVP. Giannis is an incredibly agile player despite his height and has speed like a point guard. No wonder when somebody finds themselves in the paint with Giannis, they’ve already lost.

GIANNIS TONIGHT:

50 POINTS
13 rebounds
20-26 FGM

GREEK FREAK. 🔥🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/IMq4EpZS1r

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 30, 2023

This season for the Bucks the Greek Freak is averaging  31.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He is 3rd and 2nd in the league in points and rebounds per game respectively. His explosiveness and freakish-like ability to dunk stand out. In his last game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he managed yet another 50-point game at his will.

How did Giannis Antetokounmpo get the nickname “Greek Freak”?

Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to be a physically gifted player, however, the muscles you see today are all his hard work off the court. The hard work he put in to gain such a physique and not lose his agility speaks volumes. It is one of the reasons his nickname “Greek Freak” cannot be said for someone else.

According to sources, Giannis isn’t aware of how he initially got the nickname. However, he recalls he made a dunk early in his career which had the fans attach the nickname. Giannis Antetokounmpo is by birth a Greek but has Nigerian blood running through his veins.

In an interview with Malika Andrews of ESPN, Giannis talked about his nickname, “I’ve heard it so many times. It doesn’t bother me, but people don’t call me the Nigerian Freak. They all call me the Greek Freak. This is a time for you to understand that I’m both. I’m not just Greek, I’m Nigerian.”

Whatever the case may be, nothing can be more synonymous for Giannis Antetokounmpo with the “Greek Freak”. Currently, the Bucks are at the 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference with a 4-game win streak. As long as Giannis is healthy and playing for the Bucks, we can expect the Bucks to go deep into the playoffs.