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Bucks: Why “Greek Freak” is a great nickname for Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Thomas J. Brown

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 30: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the third quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 30, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 30: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the third quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 30, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Bucks, Giannis
Bucks, Giannis Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s nickname: Describes his style of play

In the last 20 years, superhero films have become more popular than they ever were before. It seems that every summer a huge Marvel or DC blockbuster is released, raking in piles of cash across the globe. As thrilling as the special effects are, a major part of the appeal is how each character’s name reveals something about their identity. Spider-man was bitten by a spider that gave him powers. Batman has a laboratory in a cave filled with bats, where he designs his weapons. And so on, and so forth…

The NBA is filled with incredible athletes whose exploits are as close to those of a superhero as humanly imaginable. However, not every hero’s moniker matches his abilities. LeBron James is commonly referred to as “King James.” While that is a clever play on a version of an ancient text, it says nothing about what he actually does on the basketball court. Similarly, James Harden is often referred to as “The Beard.” While it is an accurate reference to Harden’s chosen fashion statement, one visit to an overzealous barber would ruin the nickname for good.

This is not the case for Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is referred to as a “freak” because of his freakish athleticism. He is undoubtedly one of the highest leapers in the entire league; which seems unfair given that he stands 6’11” tall. Not since a young Dwight Howard won the dunk contest as a member of the Orlando Magic has a man that size had one of the best vertical leaps in the NBA.

However, Antetokounmpo is much more agile than Howard ever was. He has the agility of a 6’6″ wing player and the speed of a 6’1″ point guard. That’s not to mention that he’s gotten stronger every year since he was drafted; he’s now one of the strongest basketball players in the world as well. It is a freakish combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism. That’s why he’s on the shortlist of the best basketball players in the world.

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