Samuel Lisubila

updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:22 PM

Most NBA players and celebrities are used to the spotlight and always have something to say. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an exception, a unique character who doesn't crave the camera. But once he gets a chance, all that comes from him are wise words that draw inspiration from his hard work and dedication. Here are 20 of the best quotes from the Greek Freak.

Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Drafted as the 15th pick of the first round in 2013, he has grown to be the face of the league. Currently, with the Milwaukee Bucks, he has won the MVP award twice and has won one ring.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s inspirational quotes

Giannis has been an inspiration to many, on and off the court. He has shown that hard work pays and anyone from all walks of life can make it to the top. Here are some of his inspirational quotes:

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20. How to make an impact in life

Before I leave this Earth, I will help people have a better future.

19. I am still learning

I see myself as a student, trying to learn everything.

18. Live in the moment

When you talk about the past, that is your ego talking. It is in the past, and it is over with.

17. How to be a team player

If I cannot score, I do whatever I can to support my teammates.

16. How the future is

You never know how life turns out.

15. Originality

If you are going to do something, you have to do it yourself, and that's what I try to do. I try to be authentic and original, so that is what I try to be.

Funny Giannis quotes

Antetokounmpo has a fun personality and is popularly known for his dad jokes. While he is relatively introverted and withdrawn, his teammates praise him for being good company and lightening up every room he steps into. Here are some of his funny quotes:

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14. I injure players intentionally

I have injured players on purpose many times. Thanks to the media, people think I am humble.

13. Chick-N-Minis

Can I have a 50-piece Chick-N-Minis? 50 exactly.

12. The movie 'Constipation'

Have you guys seen a movie called' Constipation'?...It is because it has not come out yet.

11. Guys cannot spell my name

Imagine how many votes did not count. I would have a million votes if they could spell my name.

10. My retirement plan

When I retire from this game, I want to disappear. I want to go to a place where they will not know me. I want to be like Tim Duncan. Where is Tim Duncan?

Giannis' quotes about life

Giannis grew up in extreme poverty in the Athens neighbourhood of Sepolia. With their critical condition, he and his older brother Thanasis were forced to go to the streets and help raise money by hawking watches, handbags, and sunglasses. As he rose to stardom, he learnt a lot about life and openly shares to inspire more people on the actual value of life. Some of his quotes include:

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9. I am humble

I am a humble kid. I grew up with Filathlitikos. Some people in Filathlitikos taught me how to stay humble. It was coach Tzivas that never allowed me to get carried away. That is who I am.

8. My life growing up was tough

Just growing up and going through life and how tough life was for my family and me, I am always going to stay humble.

7. My dream as a child was to get into the NBA

When I was young and could dream a bit, I could see myself participating in the slam dunk contest. I have always wanted to experience that.

6. I am who I am

Many people know who I am now and want a little bit of me, a little bit of my time. But at the end of the day, I still have to remember who I am.

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5. Persistency pays

Persistent in life? I think, yes, I am. I am going to do something until I get it right.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's basketball quotes

Giannis is a solidified player, one of the best in the NBA. Because of his unstoppable nature, both offensively and defensively, he has earned his nickname, The Greek Freak and continues to cement his name among the greatest. Some of his best basketball quotes include:

4. I had a goal to be the best

Two years ago, I had the goal to be the best player in the league. I will do whatever it takes to help my team win, and I will win MVP.

3. Why I play basketball

What is the reason I am playing basketball? I do it because I love it, because of my family, and that is it. I don't do it because of the money. I do not do it because of the fame. I do it because I love it, and I do it for my family because my family enjoys it.

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2. My dream with the Bucks

I am a competitive guy, and I am a stubborn guy. That makes me want to take Milwaukee to the top and make it a big market team. That is a goal I have set for myself, and hopefully, one day, I can achieve it.

1. Leadership

Every day, try to be a leader, get better and help my team win. I want to be more vocal, like talking more so my teammates know I have their back.

Giannis' quotes about ego

As much as Giannis is a prominent figure in the basketball world, he prefers to stay humble, an attribute he has mastered since childhood. His teammates are a witness to that, saying that his humility is shocking for a leader like him. Here is what the Greek Freak has to say about ego:

5. Learning never ends

I see myself as a student, trying to learn everything.

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4. The past is gone

When you talk about the past, your ego is talking. It is in the past, and it is over with.

3. How the future is

You never know how life turns out.

2. Life growing up was not easy

Just growing up and going through life and how tough life was for my family and me, I am always going to stay humble.

1. How to be a better teammate

If I cannot score, I do whatever I can to support my teammates.

Giannis' quotes about the past

Antetokounmpo's childhood experience has been a driving force for his excellence. He is vocal about it, claiming that his past experiences as a child are what has made him who he is today. Some of his motivating quotes about his past include:

5. Importance of family

We loved our dad, and my mom loved her husband. But at the end of the day, I think he did what he was supposed to do in this world. He had five kids and raised us right. That's the most important thing.

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4. Identity is key

You can just never forget where you came from.

3. I was a different kid

Many players will tell you, 'When I was a kid, I watched Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron, Magic, and I wanted to be just like them.' For me, it wasn't like that at all.

2. I wished to be the best in the NBA

Two years ago, I had the goal in my head, the goal that I was going to be the best player in the league. I will do whatever it takes to help my team win, and I will win MVP.

1. Life was tough

Just growing up and going through life and how tough life was for my family and me, I am always going to stay humble.

How good is Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Nicknamed the Greek Freak, he is an unstoppable force once he steps on the court. As a self-made athlete, his hard work and determination have made him one of the best players. As of 2023, he has won one championship and had two MVP titles tagged to his name.

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Why is Giannis called The Greek Freak?

His nickname, Greek Freak, is a result of his origin in Greek, coupled with his size, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills. He is an incredible player, putting out impressive stats every time while at the same time maintaining his humble nature. He is the only player in the NBA to average at least 29 points, ten rebounds, five assists and one block, and he's done that twice in his career.

Giannis inspires many, and one can learn something from his motivational quotes. From a humble background, his hard work, discipline and determination took him to the top basketball league, where he became a household name. He is yet to accomplish everything he ever wished for as he strides to greater heights with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022-23 campaign.

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