Giannis Antetokounmpo explains why he changed jersey number

Giannis Antetokounmpo has opened up about his decision to switch from the No. 34 jersey to No. 7, saying the move was made out of respect for the number that became synonymous with his legendary run in Milwaukee.

After wearing No. 34 throughout his 13 seasons with the Bucks, the two-time NBA MVP explained that he wanted to leave that chapter untouched as he begins a new stage of his career.

“I feel like ’34’ holds so much weight and has so much history. Out of respect to the organization that drafted me and I played with for 13 years I decided to leave the number there.

“Hopefully … I’ll make ‘7’ as legendary as ’34’.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo on going from No. 34 to No. 7:

"I feel like '34' holds so much weight & has so much history. Out of respect to the organization that drafted me & I played with for 13 years I decided to leave the number there.

Hopefully…I'll make '7' as legendary as '34" pic.twitter.com/OgUSNWw1Fm

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 16, 2026