Giannis Antetokounmpo honors Thanasis with an All-Star Game tribute

Giannis shows some love for older brother Thanasis.
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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.

A meaningful reminder

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.

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.

A crucial second half coming up

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.

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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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.