Milwaukee Bucks: Highlights From SI’s Giannis Antetokounmpo Feature

Dec 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to the bench during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Milwaukee defeated Detroit 119-94. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to the bench during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Milwaukee defeated Detroit 119-94. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Smoothie Kid No More

It was the moment that encapsulated the sense of wide-eyed excitement that Giannis Antetokounmpo used to adjust to life not only in the NBA, but in a new and exotic part of the world too. Up until his recent bursts of incredible highlights, a love of smoothies was what the casual observer likely knew Giannis best for.

It seemed like there was very little off-court footage to be found of Giannis during his first couple of years with the Bucks that didn’t involve a trip to get a smoothie.

I’m pretty certain we’re not being told to believe that Giannis has lost his fondness for smoothies, but more that, once again, he’s much more focused and serious than he was at that time. Now, it’s a disappointment to only score 39 points, so a smoothie isn’t something he’s going to get overexcited about.

"When Antetokounmpo reminisces about his rookie year, he sounds as if he is talking about another era and another person. “I was like a kid in the park, seeing all the cities, seeing LeBron and KD, having so much fun. But that kid—the kid with the smoothies—I’m not really that kid anymore.”"

Giannis has got more than his preferred three strawberry, two blueberry smoothie order on his mind nowadays.

"“I’ve definitely become more serious,” Antetokounmpo says. “I have a franchise on my shoulders.”"