Giannis Antetokounmpo: Driven by Legacy, Aiming for More Championships and Longevity in His Career

Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned to Milwaukee from Greece, having achieved nearly everything he set out to accomplish in his basketball career.

The only item remaining on his list was a medal with the Greek national team, and he has now secured it, even if it was just a bronze.

However, this achievement hasn’t quenched his thirst for success. Giannis shared his mindset as he embarks on what could be the latter chapters of his career: “Every basketball player and athlete begins their journey with a specific quest, contemplating their aspirations and the legacy they want to create. At this stage, I feel like I’ve achieved everything I aimed for. But my desire for more persists. I seek to win another championship and earn another medal for my national team because my legacy holds significant value for me.”

As the first Greek player to claim an NBA championship title, Giannis is already a surefire selection for the Hall of Fame when he eventually hangs up his sneakers, yet he aspires to leave an even more profound mark in basketball history.

He expressed, “I want to be remembered for how I will stand among the all-time greats. It’s a gradual process—step by step, practice by practice, game by game, season by season. It’s all about accumulating days consistently and being present. Good fortune will follow, but you must play to win. I don’t compete just for the sake of being there or for financial gain. I feel extremely fortunate, and I provide for my family. My motivation is to win and achieve milestones on the court.”

This determination also involves a strategy to monitor his physical condition and prolong his career until he decides to “disappear” on a Greek island.

As a 30-year-old, Giannis recognizes that he must be mindful of this: “I believe it’s essential to consult with your doctors and physiotherapists at least four times a year to discuss your physical goals and ensure your well-being. What do you aim to achieve each season? Athletes today are smarter about maintaining their health, which explains why we see players competing longer. I want that for myself too. This is my 13th year in the league, and when I reach 36, I believe I can still compete at a high level because of how I care for my body. That would mark my 19th season. After that, we’ll see what’s possible. If I can keep going, I will. If not, I’ll be content disappearing to a Greek island.”