No fraternizing with the enemy


Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t work out with active NBA players during the offseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo received’t work out with lively NBA gamers in the course of the offseason
Photograph: David Zalubowski (AP)

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 marvel how a man who’s achieved a lot earlier than age 30 retains the fireplace lit to come back again higher every year. In keeping with Antetokounmpo, he retains his edge by not figuring out with lively NBA gamers within the offseason.

Antetokounmpo is taking the old-school lifestyle 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 shortly. Had he been within the States going by highschool and AAU ball, touring all around the nation, and taking part in with different high expertise, his profession might have been very completely different.

That is one state of affairs 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 time of their exercises with guys who oppose them in the course of the season. Giannis clearly has no time nor the need to interact 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 group choice and Defensive Participant of the 12 months recipient, Giannis wants some intimidation issue over opponents, particularly within the paint. You all the time desire a man to assume twice earlier than going inside. Antetokounmpo additionally talked about figuring out with Hakeem Olajuwon, which extra large males must be doing. Olajuwon was an impressive participant and underrated within the dialog of all-time greats on the heart place.

Nonetheless, Giannis chooses to go about his offseason routine must be applauded as a result of it’s clearly labored up to now. Perhaps this can change as he begins to say no properly 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 large names throughout the league. It feels like Antetokounmpo, alright, being the outsider among the many superstars of the NBA.