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Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals he doesn’t believe he’s as talented as Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, or even Bobby Portis

"I’m confident in my work. If I don’t work, I’m not confident in myself."

Jonas Panerio

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is a self-made NBA superstar; someone who diligently learned the game growing up in Greece before developing into a dominant force in the league. However, despite his success, he remains humble and constantly challenges himself to improve.

In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Giannis revealed that he doesn't believe he is as talented as his teammates like Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, or even Bobby Portis. This may come as a surprise to some fans who see him as one of the most skilled and physically gifted players in the league. But for Giannis, it's not about natural talent; it's about hard work and dedication.

His hard work provides him with confidence

The two-time MVP shared that he is confident in his abilities because of the work he puts in every day. Without putting in the necessary effort day in and out, Antetokounmpo explained that he really truly doesn’t feel like himself.

“No, I’m confident in my work. If I don’t work, I’m not confident in myself. If I don’t put the work in, I’m the most not-confident guy ever. But when I work, when I go after the game, and I lift my weights, I’m confident,” Giannis remarked.

“I put the work in, and no matter the outcome, I can live with it. That’s how I get my confidence.”

The worst player in the NBA

Giannis’ trophy case may be filled with every individual accolade there is in the league—MVP, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year. Yet, Antetokounmpo maintains an insatiable hunger for improvement, akin to the determination of the last player on the bench. He even goes as far as saying there are times he feels like he’s the worst player in the league.

“I feel like I’m the worst player in the NBA. I’ll be honest with you. I feel like, in a moment, this can be taken away from me,” Giannis shared.

“I am not as talented as Dame. I am not as talented as Malik. I am not as talented as Bobby. But I’m confident in the work that I put in, and I can live with the outcome.”

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO