You can just never forget where you came from.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Just growing up and going through life and how tough life was for me and my family, I'm always going to stay humble.
Before I leave this earth, I'm going to help people have a better future.
I'm going to do whatever it takes for me and my team to be successful.
What's the reason I'm playing basketball? I do it because I love it, I do it because of my family, and that's it. I don't do it because of the money. I don't do it because of the fame. I just do it because I love it, and I do it for my family because my family enjoys it.
If you are going to do something, you have to do it for yourself, and that's what I try to do. I try to be authentic and try to be original, so that's what I try to be. A lot of people try to build big brands but have received bad advice, and they don't try to be authentic and real with themselves.
I want to become one of the best players, so if you want to be one the best, you have to elevate all aspects of your game.
It's my nature to be fearless.
To be one of the best to ever play the game? I think I have the ability to do that. But I've got to work hard. If I just keep talking and don't put some work in, it's not going to happen.
I hope to play in the NBA for many seasons, establish my position, and win titles.
If I can't score, I do whatever I can to support my teammates.
I don't like all these flashy cities like L.A. or Miami. I don't know if I could be the same player if I played in those cities.
LeBron James is one of the best players in the league - and one of the best players to ever play the game.
I see myself as a student. Trying to learn everything.
I've got to perfect my game. Keep working.
It starts with my family. That drives me every day, just seeing them smiling.
Losing someone you love is tough.
There's a lot of big guys who can play-make. We put labels like, 'Oh, he's a point guard, he's a center.' But sometimes your center can play-make for you and not just be the center, boxing out for rebounds and playing in the post.
I'm really scared of failing.
I love how quiet and calm Milwaukee is.
I'm a guy who doesn't really care about glamour and big markets; I like to be home all day.
My favorite movie is 'Coming to America' by Eddie Murphy.
I'm serious about it, and I want to spend my money wise. I'm not going to throw away any money.
I was selling stuff probably since I could remember, like 6 or 7 years old. I was always out there helping my mom and dad sell watches, glasses, CDs, DVDs, stuff like that. Whatever we could put our hands on. I did it until I was around 17. But I was just doing it because I had to. There was no other option.
I'm just trying to be the best basketball player I can be, you know, move the ball.
At first, when my agent told me, 'They want you to do an interview, a piece for '60 Minutes,' I was like, 'What is '60 Minutes?''
A lot of people know who I am now. They want a little bit of me, a little bit of my time. But at the end of the day, I still have to remember who I am.
Because my parents were illegal, they couldn't trust anybody. They were always nervous. A neighbor could be like, 'These people are making too much noise, their children are making too much noise,' and the cops could knock at our door and ask for our papers, and that's it. It's that simple. So you're always a little closed.
I'm a really competitive guy. I'm a really stubborn guy. That's what makes me want to take Milwaukee to the top, make Milwaukee a big market team. That's a goal I've set for myself. Hopefully, one day I can achieve it.
The night before games, I try to get some shots up. Early on the game day, I come early in the morning to try to get some shots up. I just try to do the same things: go through the scouting, watch some clips before the game, just try to get my body ready.
I like living in a smaller place, but I like being in big cities, too, like Athens.
You have so many games to play, and you can do well in one game but bad in the other ones. The thing you've got to be is consistent.
I'm a humble kid. I grew up with Filathlitikos. There were some people in Filathlitikos that taught to me how to stay humble. It was coach Tzivas that never allowed me to get carried away. That's who I am.
Tim Duncan did it. Dirk Nowitzki did it. I just want to be one of those guys... that stays for the city, play for the city for 20 years.
It's such a long season, and there's so many games, so many trips, you've got to build habits and be consistent with what you do.
I think my jump shot could get a lot, lot better. I could become a really big threat out there.
When I was young and I could dream a bit, I could see myself participating in the slam dunk contest. I've always wanted to experience that.
You always fight with your brothers.
When you're young, it's hard to lead people that are older than you.
I've just got to keep working hard, try to get my team better. That's a goal of mine.
I usually feel that I prefer to hide from people.
Obviously, Kobe is one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Even if I'll be an All Star or Rookie of The Year, I will always be humble Giannis.
We loved our dad. My mom loved her husband. But at the end of the day, I think, he did what he was supposed to do in this world. He had five kids and raised us right. That's the most important thing.
The things that Dirk has done for this league and for the Dallas Mavericks, it's unbelievable. And Coach Kidd was a teammate of Dirk, so for Jason Kidd to compare me with Dirk Nowitzki, it feels nice. It's a nice compliment.
You never know how life turns out.
I think my rookie, I was just having fun. I was 18, and I was living the American dream.
Every coach has a different style and approach.
I'm gonna have some nights when it's not gonna come. But if you keep playing natural, it's just gonna come. I'm gonna keep getting better, keep getting better, and one day, everything's gonna pay off.
Milwaukee is a small-market team, but I love it.
