Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

History Of The Milwaukee Bucks In The Rising Stars Challenge

By Ti Windisch

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; World Team head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Atlanta Hawks (far right) instructs center Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz (27), guard Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34), guard Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves (22), and forward Nikola Mirotic of the Chicago Bulls (44) during the second half against the U.S. Team at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; World Team head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Atlanta Hawks (far right) instructs center Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz (27), guard Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34), guard Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves (22), and forward Nikola Mirotic of the Chicago Bulls (44) during the second half against the U.S. Team at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Year(s): 2014, 2015

Giannis got a chance to play in two different Rising Stars formats. In 2014 he was on Team Hill after being drafted by Grant Hill to go against Chris Webber‘s team, and in 2015 he was a part of Team World.

Much like Jabari Parker, it took Giannis a few years to become the standout player he is today, so he didn’t make much noise in his first Rising Stars Challenge. He managed nine points, two rebounds, two assists and a block in Team Hill’s 142-136 win in 2014.

After coming off of the bench in 2014, Giannis got the start in 2015 for Team World and made much more of an impact. Antetokounmpo managed 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks in a good all-around performance, which turned into another win for the Greek Freak’s team.

Fun fact: Giannis would play with future Bucks teammates in both of his Rising Stars Challenge appearances. Miles Plumlee was on Team Hill’s bench alongside Giannis in 2014, and Matthew Dellavedova was on Team World in 2015.

Giannis increased all of his stats from his rookie season to his sophomore campaign, but still averaged just 12.7 points per game in his second year, which helps to explain why the now-All-Star didn’t take over in either of his Rising Stars Challenges.

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