Photo: Peter Baba

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to Milwaukee from Greece this fall with a rare sense of fulfillment. Over the course of his decorated career, the Bucks superstar has already achieved almost every major goal he set for himself.

He is an NBA champion, a two-time MVP, and the first Greek player ever to lead a team to an NBA title. This summer, he checked off perhaps the final box left on his international résumé by winning a long-coveted medal – even if it was “only” bronze – with the Greek national team.

Still, the 30-year-old forward insists he’s far from finished. For Giannis, legacy isn’t a static thing; it’s an ongoing pursuit. He explained his mindset to reporters as he prepared for the new season, offering a glimpse into what motivates him at this stage of his career.

“I think every basketball player, every athlete, they start their career and then like have this quest, like what they want to accomplish and what they want to be remembered for. And I think at this point, I’ve accomplished everything that I’ve put my mind to. But now I just want more. Like I want to win another championship. I want to win another medal for the national team, because legacy is very important for me.”

Already a lock for the Hall of Fame whenever he retires, Antetokounmpo is focused on cementing an even greater status among the game’s legends.

“What I’m going to be remembered for, how I’m going to be one of the all-time greats. And that’s step by step, you know – practice by practice, game by game, season by season. Just keep on stacking days. Keep on being consistent and available. And good things are going to happen. But like you got to play to win. I don’t play to just be around or get paid. I’m very blessed. I take care of my family. I can live with nothing. But I play to win. I play to accomplish stuff on the court.”

That drive extends beyond trophies and stat sheets. Giannis also talked about the importance of longevity and being intentional about his body as he enters the second half of his career.

“I think you should sit down with your doctors and your physios four times a year minimum to, you know, talk about like what you want to accomplish from your body. How can you stay healthy? What is the goal in every season that you play? I think just guys are smarter about how to take care of their bodies, and that’s why you see guys playing longer now. And for me, that’s what I want to do too. This is year 13. It’s like when I get to 36, I think I’ll still be able to play at a high level of basketball because I take good care of my body. So that would be year 19 for me. And after that, we’ll see. We’ll see how much we can go. If we can go, we’ll go. If we cannot go, we are going to disappear on the island in Greece.”

For now, though, Giannis’ focus remains on stacking wins, improving his body and mind, and chasing the type of legacy that will make his name resonate long after his playing days are over.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR