Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has made quite a name for himself in the NBA and looks like he is going to be a perennial MVP candidate for years to come.

However, it wasn't always this easy for Antetokounmpo.

Back in 2015 while being coached by Jason Kidd, Giannis was benched in a late-season game against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, a decision that did not sit well with The Greek Freak, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic:

“The game before, Coach Jason benched me. I was upset,” said Antetokounmpo. “He benched me. We played the game and then we flew out the same night or the next morning, I don’t remember. Went to New York. Went to see my brother. I was pissed. I was hot. I shaved my head. That’s the lowest (my hair) has ever been. I was going through puberty.”

That was Antetokounmpo's second year in the NBA. He wasn't the superstar he is now, but he was still a very solid player, averaging 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, so his frustration was understandable.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Kendrick Perkins and Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo after All-NBA snub

Jay Postrado ·

Mavericks' Luka Doncic smiling at the American Airlines Center. In background, need Mavericks fans cheering at the American Airlines Center.

Joey Mistretta ·

Bucks' Damian Lillard and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith

Benedetto Vitale ·

That year was also Kidd's first year as Bucks coach. He coached Milwaukee all the way through the midway point of the 2017-18 campaign, when he was fired after a disappointing 23-22 start.

Let's clarify something here, though: it doesn't seem like Giannis is still upset with Kidd over the benching. He was just frustrated at the time and used that moment to serve as a springboard for him to mature as a player.