The rise of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been downright astronomical. While most would claim that they had known early on that this kid was going to be special, very few could honestly say that they were certain that the 23-year-old was going to be this good, this soon. However, a Warriors player apparently knew.
However, one of those who claims to have seen Antetokounmpo's full potential even before he stepped into U.S. soil is none other that Golden State Warriors All-Star Draymond Green. Accoring to the Dubs star, seeing some early scouting films of a young Giannis was enough to convince him that Antetokounmpo was destined to be an exceptional ball player.
Green explained to Anthony Slater of The Athletic how he first came across Giannis' game film together with basketball Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons team president Joe Dumars.
“I would watch a lot of their workouts and then even sit in Joe D’s house in his office and watch film with him,” said Green. “I still remember watching film with Joe D on Giannis (Antetokounmpo)
“I’m like, yo, this dude is playing in this small ass gym. There isn’t even room for, like, people to sit and watch the game. The wall is next to the court. I thought it was crazy.
“But I remember me and Joe D sitting there talking, like, yo, some of the stuff this kid is doing is incredible. He was super raw, but some of the stuff he was doing and the way he was covering ground, we were sitting there thinking he could be really good.
Sure enough: Joe D’s best friend, John Hammond, drafted him.”
Given how he was given the opportunity to scout Antetokounmpo early on, Green shared how he felt when Giannis finally made it to the NBA. When asked if he thought the Milwaukee Bucks taking Giannis as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 Draft was a steal, Green was in agreement.
“Yes,” he said. “Because I always remember watching those clips of him”
Seeing him on tape as a youngster is one thing; but with Green actually able to play against Giannis on the court throughout the years, he was certainly able to confirm his theory about the Greek's path to greatness.
Follow Us
Subscribe