Bilal Handoo is an NBA Editor at EssentiallySports. With over 16 years of experience in writing, editing, and content management, Bilal is renowned for his expertise in longform, research-based, and analytical narratives, something that benefits the basketball articles that ES features. 
Armored with Masters in Media, Bilal has held various roles across different organizations, nurturing and mentoring numerous interns, writers, and editors who have gone on to excel in prominent positions worldwide. Bilal's editorial work has garnered recognition both nationally, as seen in publications like Business Standard, and internationally, with features in esteemed outlets such as Nikkei Asia.

Coach Prime’s approach of handling critics has garnered attention and approval from NBA superstar LeBron James [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/lebron-james/], who is entering his 21st season and still peaking. Days after Bron?s approval, Giannis Antetokounmpo [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/giannis-antetokounmpo/] has also given a nod to Deion?s philosophy.? Former NFL superstar and head coach of the University of Colorado Boulder, Deion Sanders has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of criticism. Despite his first loss as a coach recently, his game handling attitude is only swelling his fanbase. AFTER KING, NOW GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO HAILS COACH PRIME Sanders is one of the most accomplished athletes in NFL history. After having a successful career as a player, he is now making a mark as a coach. His journey is filled with numerous accolades and achievements. What is even more remarkable is his unique ability to turn criticism into motivation. An approach that has not only helped him succeed but has also inspired other athletes. Deion Sanders [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034531138h.jpg] Nicknamed ?Prime Time? during his playing career and ?Coach Prime? during his coaching career, Deion has a long list of accomplishments. As a player, he has eight Pro Bowls and received six first-team All-Pros. And, as a coach, he had a successful run with the Dallas Cowboys [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nfl/dallas-cowboys/]. As a college coach, he led Jackson State University to two consecutive SWAC championships in 2021 and 2022.? Talking about haters, Sanders tweeted, ?I have smiled at people who said the most terrible things about me and they think I don?t know.??The four-time NBA champion, Bron retweeted Sanders? post, adding, ?Do it all the time! And by now they should know I don?t forget a dang on thing.” Overnight, LeBron James Reiterates Coach Ryan Day After OSU?s Win Vs Notre Dame [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-always-been-ohio-against-the-world-moving-on-from-deion-sanders-overnight-lebron-james-reiterates-coach-ryan-day-after-osus-win-vs-notre-dame/] This viral exchange caught the attention of the Milwaukee Bucks [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/milwaukee-bucks/] star Giannis, who gave a nod and shared the conversation on his Instagram story. KINGSIZE SUPPORT FOR SANDERS LeBron James? support for Sanders is not new. He has previously shown his admiration [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-nfl-news-days-after-lebron-james-fanboying-of-deion-sanders-oregon-wore-lakers-stars-nike-to-hand-coach-prime-first-loss-as-colorado-incharge/]for Coach Prime. LeBron James, and Deion Sanders [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-29.jpeg]Image Credits: Imago In 2018, King James wore his Nike LeBron 15 Diamond Turf shoes, which were a mashup of his own signature shoe and Sanders’ former signature Nike sneaker. James explained that he wore the shoes in Atlanta, where Sanders earned his “Primetime” nickname, as a way to pay homage to the former NFL great. Watch This Story:?$494 million rich Marvel project triggers decade-old Dwyane Wade-LeBron James memories [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/nba-news-494000000-rich-marvel-project-triggers-decade-old-dwyane-wade-lebron-james-memories/] Now the Greek Freak?s resolute mindset has resonated with Sanders? approach to handling criticism. He shared the same clip on his Instagram account, endorsing Sanders? candid advice. 

Deion Sanders? approach of handling critics gets a nod from NBA stars King LeBron James and Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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Following Lebron James? Approval, Deion Sanders? Approach to Handling Critics
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<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo?</h2>
Giannis Antetokounmpo or the "Greek Freak" is one of those names that have spurred the <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/" target="_self" rel="noopener">NBA</a> circuit in recent times. Born in Greece to Nigerian parents, Antetokounmpo began playing basketball for the youth teams of Filathlitikos, eventually playing for their senior team. Following this, the power forward declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft in 2013, where Antetokounmpo was drafted with the 15th overall pick by the <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/milwaukee-bucks/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, a team he has been playing for since then. He wears the No. 34 jersey.

[caption id="attachment_2593533" align="alignnone" width="5064"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2593533" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-01-04T034350Z_1590397656_MT1USATODAY22217926_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MILWAUKEE-BUCKS-AT-INDIANA-PACERS.jpg" alt="" width="5064" height="3379" /> Jan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Over his career, Antetokounmpo has been an NBA All-Star seven times. Giannis also won two successive MVP trophies in 2019 and 2020 to solidify his status as a star in the league. After multiple seasons of being heavily criticized for his failure to win a title, the power forward silenced his critics winning his first championship and Final MVP in 2021. In the 2023-24 season, he is continuing his top form, with the Bucks now a force to be reckoned with in the East.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo's early life </h2>
Born in Athens to Nigerian immigrant parents, Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, in 1994, Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up in a tough environment, with his family struggling to afford the basics. He started playing basketball around age 7, finding an escape and a passion for the sport. By his mid-teens, he had left school to focus on helping provide for his family, taking odd jobs around the city.

Basketball became more than just a game for the young athlete – it was, perhaps, an opening for a better life. That once far-off dream, however, was soon realized, with Antetokounmpo's first-round selection in the 2013 NBA draft.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo's wife and children</h2>
Giannis Antetokounmpo fathers three children with his fiancee Mariah Riddlesprigger: his two sons Liam, 4, and Maverick Shai, 2, and his new-born daughter Eva Brooke. He has four brothers, Francis, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex. Two of his siblings are contemporaries in the league, with Kostas securing a championship in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers and Thanasis with the Bucks in 2021.

<h2 style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo's career timeline</h2>
Drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA draft, Antetokounmpo was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team in his first season. Over the next few years, he quickly exceeded expectations, growing into a versatile scorer, lockdown defender, and facilitator all in an athletic 6’11” frame.

He broke out in his third season, averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game and earning the Most Improved Player award. In the 2019-20 season, the Greek had another one of his finer campaigns, putting up 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists to lead the Bucks to their best-ever record in the NBA. (56-17). 

In 2021, Giannis delivered on his promise by spearheading the Bucks to the NBA title and earning a Finals MVP title in the process. He then went on to sign one of the largest contracts in NBA history, a 5-year $228 million extension with the Bucks.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokoumpo's major achievements</h2>
NBA Champion (2021)

NBA Finals MVP (2021)

2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)

7× NBA All-Star (2017–2023)

NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021)

5× All-NBA First Team (2019–2023)

2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018)

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)

4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022)

NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017)

NBA Most Improved Player (2017)

NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)

NBA 75th Anniversary Team

FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022)

Euroscar Player of the Year (2018)
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo stats</h2>
Games played - 758

Points per game - 23.1

Assists per game - 4.8

Rebounds per game - 9.7

Playoffs stats:

Games played - 79

Points per game - 26.6

Assists per game - 5.2

Rebounds per game - 12.0
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo's 2024 net worth </h2>
Giannis Antetokounmpo's net worth in 2024 is estimated to be $70 million. In October, after much speculation, the Bucks and Giannis agreed on a massive super-max contract, which tied the 'Greek Freak' with the Bucks for five more years.

The deal is worth close to $228 million and the player is guaranteed the entire amount, including an opt-out in the fourth year. Notably, he currently averages a salary of approximately $45.64 million through his 10-year career in the NBA.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo contract</h2>
Here is a breakdown of his contract extension with the Bucks:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td class="table-key" style="height: 24px;width: 32.5123%">2023/24</td>
<td class="table-value" style="height: 24px;width: 133.226%">$45,640,084</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td class="table-key" style="height: 24px;width: 32.5123%">2024/25</td>
<td class="table-value" style="height: 24px;width: 133.226%">$48,787,676</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td class="table-key" style="height: 24px;width: 32.5123%">2025/26</td>
<td class="table-value" style="height: 24px;width: 133.226%">$57,604,894</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td class="table-key" style="height: 24px;width: 32.5123%">2026/27</td>
<td class="table-value" style="height: 24px;width: 133.226%">$62,213,285</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td class="table-key" style="height: 24px;width: 32.5123%">2027/28</td>
<td class="table-value" style="height: 24px;width: 133.226%">$66,821,676</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Endorsement deals of Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>
The seven-time NBA All-Star was the 19th Highest-Paid Athlete in the World in 2020. Now, he earns over $25 million from his endorsement deals. His major endorsements include JBL, Tissot, 2K Sports, Hulu, and Nike.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Giannis Antetokounmpo foundation and charity</h2>

In 2019, Giannis and his brothers started the AntetokounBros Academy. The academy aims to help young boys and girls jump-start their professional basketball careers. Moreover, the foundation, funded by Giannis' official sports apparel partner Nike, will run for two years in Athens. 

<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpo’s social media accounts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Instagram</td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giannis_an34/">https://www.instagram.com/giannis_an34/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter</td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/giannis_an34">https://twitter.com/giannis_an34</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook</td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreekFreakOfficial/">https://www.facebook.com/GreekFreakOfficial/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Personal Information:</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Full Name</td>
<td>Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Popular Name</td>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Date of Birth</td>
<td>6th December, 1994</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birth Place</td>
<td>Athens, Greece</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td>6 feet 11 inches</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight</td>
<td>243 lb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parents</td>
<td>Charles Antetokounmpo (Father)Veronica Antetokounmpo (Mother)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Siblings</td>
<td>Francis Antetokounmpo

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Kostas Antetokounmpo

Alex Antetokounmpo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nationality</td>
<td>Greek / Nigerian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethnicity</td>
<td>Nigerian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net Worth</td>
<td>$70 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Salary</td>
<td>$45.6 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spouse</td>
<td>Mariah Riddlesprigger (Fiancee)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Relationship/Marital Status</td>
<td>Engaged</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Children</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Profession</td>
<td>Basketball Player</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td>Milwaukee Bucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rings</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Here is everything you need to know about Giannis Antetokounmpo, his family, career, and the like. How much is the Milwaukee Bucks star worth?

Here is everything you need to know about Giannis Antetokounmpo, his family, his career, and the like. How much is the Milwaukee Bucks star worth?

Giannis Antetokounmpo's 2024 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements

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