Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo only had a month of rest before he returned to the court, going from a crushing playoff elimination at the hands of the Toronto Raptors to taking part in the Greek national team's quest for a medal at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Many expected Greece to have a good shot to succeed at the international stage with the MVP on their side, but The Greek Freak noted there was no pressure for him, citing his humble beginnings:

“No, there was no pressure. Anyone can write and say whatever they want,” Antetokounmpo told Greek website Contra.  “There will never be pressure because, from 12 to 16, I didn't have food to eat… What pressure? If I had grown up with money and had the comforts since I was a little boy, I would have said then ‘yes, there is pressure', but I came from nothing and I got where I am now. Even if I stopped playing basketball today, I would look back and say that I am the first Greek and the second European player to win the MVP award, that I have helped my siblings go to private schools and that my father lived a good life. I've already done a lot in my 25 years, I can't feel any pressure.”

Antetokounmpo has accomplished a lot in only six years in the league, rising up from a promising overseas prospect to a downright scary player who can do almost everything on the floor. The Most Valuable Player award is simply the consummation of his effort and willingness to grow as a basketball player.

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Greece lost a close 79-78 game against Brazil during group play while losing to Team USA in the subsequent round, and a later win over the Czech Republic wouldn't be enough to qualify to the single elimination rounds.

The Greeks didn't have much NBA firepower besides Giannis and his brother, Thanasis, mostly counting on experienced guard Nick Calathes, who played two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before pursuing options overseas. Antetokounmpo couldn't haul the wagon all by his lonesome, and the different rules in FIBA play made it easier for opponents to defend him.