Giannis Antetokounmpo at Bucks Media Day: “Basketball is back in Greece, they cheered for us and the flag”

Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a busy summer. His commitments in the national team ended relatively early, Greece stayed out of the medal area in Berlin. However, it was a nice experience for Giannis, who is now focused on his Bucks commitments ahead of the new season.

John spoke at the press conference as part of the Bucks’ Media Day and when asked if he was among the top players, stressing that the constant action this summer has caused him a physical and mental fatigue that he well deserves by participating in the national team and the great support of the people in the group.

Antetokounmpo also expressed his hopes of the Bucks winning the title while making it clear that he doesn’t think he’s the best in the world right now: “Now it’s Steph Curry,” he said characteristically.

His statements in detail:

Whether he considers himself one of the best: “I don’t think I’m the best. I’ve definitely matured. The leader is the one who stands to the end. He is the one who leads his team to the end, to the finals and helps his team to win. I might have thought about it in my bed at night when we won the championship, but no, I don’t think about it anymore. In my opinion, the winner is the best. I even play table tennis with my brothers. Kostas may have played well, but I won. Right now, curry is best until someone else is found.”

For the national team: “It’s been a lot. You burn out a bit, you play a lot of basketball. You need a break not only physically but also mentally. You want to spend some time off the court, be with your family, do the things you do Eat Doritos, for example, you need it to have a good season.

Of course it was a great experience representing my country. I enjoyed it. It was the first time that so many people came and responded. The world had hope. Basketball is back in Greece. We had the support of the people. Even though we were just one game away from medals. They cheered for us and the flag. The games were watched by 6-7 million people out of a total of 10-11 million people in Greece and that’s perfect. I’m a bit tired physically and mentally, but I’m looking forward to the new season.”

On his motivation to win another title: “I always try to improve my chances. I consider myself blessed to be in this city, I don’t take anything for granted. It felt good to win the championship. I’m a little jealous of Golden State and the parade they had to win their championship. You know that feeling now and that you lost the championship.

I hope God will bless us to get another title. If not, that will be his plan, but I will always try to do my best, work with my body, work with my teammates, try to win games and most importantly, try to play basketball to play.

For the game in Abu Dhabi: “I’m very excited. First of all, I’m always excited about the international games. A lot of people outside the US love the game and I’m excited to share my joy. I’m excited about the whole thing.”

At the same time, Giannis didn’t fail to mention his well-known jokes during press interviews: “I’m not going to joke just yet. I need to warm up a bit. Maybe I’ll start in Abu Dhabi.”