In many ways, Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo is unlike anything we've ever seen. His freakish athleticism and length make him a matchup nightmare, unlike almost anything we've ever seen.
But in other ways, Antetokounmpo is a throwback to an earlier era of basketball when a player's opponent was his mortal enemy. According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Antetokounmpo turned down an offer from Carmelo Anthony to come to New York and train with the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and James Harden.
“They wanted me to come, show up, and play and I was like, ‘No. I’m good. Thank you,’ ” Giannis Antetokounmpo said.
The Greek Freak has never been comfortable working out with players he will be playing against when the season arrives. He is more old school in that regard. He would rather opt to work out with an assistant from the Bucks rather than a group of NBA All-Stars.
“I can’t work out with you in the summer and then play you in a few months,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic. “It feels weird. It doesn’t feel right with me. Like other players, it’s cool for other players, but I don’t. I don’t want to. Other guys do it.”
For the NBA fans who yearn for the take-no-prisoners approach of the 80s and 90s, Giannis will serve as a breath of fresh air. Antetokounmpo wants to keep his opponents at arm's length — and if you're measuring by his arms, that's pretty far.
Antetokounmpo is developing into a bonafide superstar, but his competitive edge is what will set him apart for many fans.
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