A pair of shoes that Giannis Antetokounmpo wore during the recent All-Star Game showed how he values his older brother Thanasis so much.
Giannis wore a red and white Kobe 4s with a heartwarming message for Thanasis that read, “Thanasis, thanks for sharing.” The message carries a sentimental meaning as it shows Giannis’ deepest gratitude for Thanasis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo brings a family story full circle on his Zoom Freak 5s for the All-Star Game.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) February 19, 2024
Growing up, Giannis couldn’t afford his own basketball shoes. His older brother Thanasis would lend him his pair of white and red Kobe 4s between practices and games.
Tonight’s… pic.twitter.com/OVuSCJWBNR
The message also serves as a reminder of Giannis’ rags-to-riches story. Growing up, the Antetokounmpos were so financially challenged that Thanasis and Giannis could not afford to have a pair of shoes for each of them. Thanasis would let Giannis borrow his white and red Kobe 4s so his younger brother could play some hoops.
Excited to share our story in our own words #FOE pic.twitter.com/9R1mqdj4Pf
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) February 14, 2024
Fast forward to today, owning a pair of shoes or even the more expensive material things is no longer a problem for Giannis. The Greek Freak has certainly gone a long way, but he never forgets the people with him during those difficult days.
The Antetokounmpo brothers are currently teammates at the Milwaukee Bucks, but Giannis has a bigger role to play. In fact, the Bucks will be needing more from the Greek Freak as they are struggling to find consistency under coach Doc Rivers.
We have come a long way but there’s still so much to see #8TimesAllstar pic.twitter.com/bz1hpPsKCG
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) February 19, 2024
On the season, the Bucks hold a 35-21 record but are just 3-7 under Rivers and suffered two ugly losses before the All-Star break. Milwaukee will try to turn things around in the second half of the season and expect Giannis to be in the middle of that playoff push.
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