Giannis Antetokounmpo in Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett have distinct similarities both in appearance and accolades.
Both are listed at 6-foot-11, though they sometimes look an inch or two taller than their height, and the two have led their respective teams in all five major statistical categories for one season.
And back in December Garnett gave Antetokoumpo a bit of advice on how to achieve icon status.
“He gave me some few words, he told me it’s all about the mentality,” said Antetokoumpo during his media availability Sunday at Fairmont Makati for his charity event with King Bally Entertainment Group.
“The way you approach the game, the way you see the game, it’s all about mentality. If you have the killer instinct, and you think you’re the best at what you’re doing, and you’re going to do it, you will be good.”
Garnett, who’s now retired after almost two decades in the NBA, joined the Bucks in practice in December.
And it was there where the 2004 Most Valuable Player gave advice to the 2017 Most Improved Player.
“He always told me that whatever you do, it’s all about the mentality and that was good advice,” said Antetokounmpo.
And though Antetokounmpo faced Garnett in the twilight of the legend’s career, the Greek Freak said he still experienced the verbal competitiveness of the Big Ticket.
The two played against each other five times from 2013 until Garnett’s retirement year in 2016.
“He didn’t talk trash to me but he was talking trash in general,” said Antetokoumpo.
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