Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent offseason was unlike any summer he had previously gone through in his career. The former back-to-back MVP was hindered by injury throughout the offseason after having to undergo a cleanup procedure in his left knee.
Understandably, this turned out to be a difficult period for the seven-time All-Star, considering how this man lives and breathes basketball. As it turns out, however, the fact that Antetokounmpo was not able to engage in any sort of basketball activity worked out in his favor in a specific way.
Giannis admitted that it was tough not being able to go through his usual offseason routine, which included having to skip the FIBA World Cup Championship with the Greek national squad. However, being sidelined resulted in Antetokounmpo being able to spend some much-needed quality time with his family:
“I wasn’t on the court as much as I usually am,” he said. “Because of the procedure I had on my knee, I had to take two to three months off. But I had time to spend with my family, which is something that I haven’t done in a while. Because every offseason I’m with the national team or I travel and try to get better and work out. But this was the time that I couldn’t. I had to stay still for once. Couldn’t do no requirements with the companies that sponsored me. I didn’t have to get in the court. I had time to just sit down and spend time with my boys, my wife and my family.”
If there’s anything more important to Giannis than basketball, it’s his family. Nevertheless, the taxing requirements of being a basketball superstar have prevented him from spending as much time with them as he would like — even during the summer when there are no NBA games scheduled.
His recent injury spell came with a silver lining, though. Antetokounmpo was able to be with his kids, his loving wife, Mariah, and the rest of his family during the offseason. As such, it would not be surprising if, in retrospect, this turns out to be one of the most memorable summers in his decorated NBA career.
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