In a recent appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, Jrue Holiday shared insight into Giannis Antetokounmpo’s humble nature, despite his massive career earnings of $283 million from NBA contracts alone. According to Holiday, Giannis’s humble beginnings have shaped how he lives today.
Holiday, who played alongside Giannis for several seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, explained that the two-time MVP is known for his frugality. “He’s the cheapest guy I know!” Holiday laughed, via HoopsHype. “He’s got all that money, but again, I think it’s just because of where he started. He really didn’t have any money, and now he’s still living like he doesn’t have any money. You can’t change that.”
Giannis, who rose from modest means in Greece, continues to display the same work ethic and lifestyle habits that he had when he was younger. Despite his wealth, the Milwaukee star remains grounded and committed to his goals, which extends beyond finances to his approach to basketball.
Holiday further praised Giannis’s unparalleled dedication to the game. Recalling a specific moment during the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, he noted Giannis’s relentless drive.
“I’ve never seen him take a game off. I’ve never seen him take a practice off,” Holiday said. “Remember when Giannis got hurt in that Atlanta series? He was out for about a week, but when we got to the Finals, that practice before the Finals was the first day he actually practiced with us. He’s going 150 miles an hour, dunking, and going all out.”
Holiday also recalled how his teammates had to urge Giannis to slow down during that practice, knowing how critical it was for him to save his energy for the upcoming Finals games. “We’re like, ‘If you don’t slow your ass down, we don’t need you for today. We need you tomorrow!’ But that’s just the type of mentality and hunger that Giannis has every single game,” Holiday explained.
Giannis’s commitment to the game and his constant drive to improve are qualities that have helped him achieve greatness, including leading the Bucks to the 2021 NBA Championship. Despite his superstar status, Giannis remains a player whose mentality is shaped by his past and a constant desire to be the best.
