Leaving Stephen Curry, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic, and Others in Dust, Bucks? #34, Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Jumped as Many Spots in the ?Most Marketable Athlete? List

Giannis Antetokounmpo has blossomed into a Superstar in his ten years in the NBA. Giannis was picked 15th in the 2013 draft and had a slow start to his career. But The Greek Freak started showing signs of Greatness in his 4th year, making his first All-Star team selection at age 22. He has never missed an All-Star game since. Apart from being the most dominant player in the league, Antetokounmpo is one of the most likable athletes in sports.

The Milwaukee Bucks #34 added another accolade to his resume by taking a massive jump in SportsPro?s annual ?Most Marketable Athletes? list, leaving Stephen Curry, Novak Djokovic, and other greats in the dust.

Giannis Antetokounmpo rises above several Sports Legends

SportsPro revealed their annual list of the Top 50 Most Marketable Athletes. Giannis Antetokounmpo took a massive leap from last year, taking the Number 4 spot in the list filled with the best athletes in the world. The Milwaukee Bucks Superstar was ranked Number 38 last year and jumped as many spots as his jersey number. The 7-time All-Star overtook several notable athletes, including Stephen Curry, Lewis Hamilton, and Novak Djokovic.

The only three athletes to be ranked above the 2-time MVP were FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi at Number 1, 4-time NBA Champion LeBron James at Number 2, and American soccer player Alex Morgan at Number 3. Giannis has become the face of the NBA with his influence both on and off the court. That has led to him becoming one of the most marketable athletes in the world. The Greek Freak has garnered lucrative deals with several multi-billion dollar brands, including Nike, Tissot, and JBL.

Does Giannis Antetokounmpo Deserve to be ranked Number 4?

Although Giannis Antetokounmpo made a 34-spot leap from last year, it did not surprise anyone. The Former NBA Champion is arguably the best player in the NBA right now. Giannis was not deemed a superstar from the start of his career. The 28-year-old paved his path to superstardom one step at a time with his insane work ethic and hunger to become the best in the world. Giannis has a true Underdog story that helps him connect with his fans.

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Giannis also has a very goofy and likable personality when he is not decimating his opponents on the floor. His off-court personality is very similar to Lakers Legend Shaquille O?Neal, who also had a high marketability because of his insane skills and exuberant personality. Giannis also has a lot of influence overseas because of his Greek roots.

With the impact Giannis Antetokounmpo has had in such a short span, he truly deserves to be ranked this high in the ?Most Marketable Athletes? list.

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