Los Angeles Lakers’ JR Smith wasn’t happy on seeing Hakeem Olajuwon second in the list of top foreign-born players in the NBA. Sports Center compiled the list that had Dallas Mavericks legend, Dirk Nowitzki, on top above “The Dream.” It is never easy to compare to legends of the game. Born in Germany, Nowitzki started his NBA career in 1998 with Dallas Mavericks. He played 21 years for the Mavericks winning many accolades over his long career. He made 14 All-Star appearances and had 12 All-NBA team selections. The 2007 NBA MVP led the Mavericks to a championship in 2011. Many consider him the best European to have played in the NBA [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/]. Olajuwon, meanwhile, was born in Nigeria and played in the NBA between 1984 and 2002. He led the Rockets to two consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. He got the nickname of “The Dream” during his college days for his effortless dunking. LOS ANGELES LAKERS’ JR SMITH NOT HAPPY SEEING HAKEEM OLAJUWON BELOW DIRK NOWITZKI After Sportscenter placed Olajuwon below Nowitzki in their rankings, Smith expressed his astonishment on Twitter. “No disrespect to Dirk but Hakeem is 2? Dirk was super dope of course when of the best to ever do it! But HAKEEM?” a tweet [https://twitter.com/TheRealJRSmith/status/1285349869037772803?s=20] from Smith on Monday read. Smith has played in the NBA throughout a major part of Nowitzki’s career. Smith started his NBA career in 2004 and has won a championship with Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. He remained a free agent for almost a year before Los Angeles Lakers signed him recently as a replacement for Avery Bradley. Among other players in the Sports Center’s list of top foreign-born players were Patrick Ewing and Steve Nash. Two of the currently active players, Giannis Antetokunmpo [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/giannis-antetokounmpo/] and Pau Gasol also found a place in the list. The “Greek Freak,” Antetokounmpo still has a lot of playing career left and it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a higher place in the list in the coming years. He is the reigning MVP and is one of the favorites to win the award for the second successive year. 

Los Angeles Lakers' latest addition JR Smith tweeted to express his discontent
over the ranking of Hakeem Olajuwon in a list of top foreign-born NBA players

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36f4f7740e9a017005b034ad4b704efe?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Saketh Kandadai

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script

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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 â€“ 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 6â€™11â€ 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)

2Ã— NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)

7Ã— NBA All-Star (2017â€“2023)

NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021)

5Ã— All-NBA First Team (2019â€“2023)

2Ã— All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018)

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)

4Ã— NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019â€“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 worthÂ </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.Â 

<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpoâ€™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

Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo? Giannis Antetokounmpo or the &#8220;Greek Freak&#8221; is one of those names that have spurred the NBA 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 Milwaukee Bucks, a team he has been playing for since then. He wears the No. 34 jersey. 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 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo&#8217;s early life 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 â€“ it was, perhaps, an opening for a better life. That once far-off dream, however, was soon realized, with Antetokounmpo&#8217;s first-round selection in the 2013 NBA draft. Giannis Antetokounmpo&#8217;s wife and children 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo&#8217;s career timeline 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 6â€™11â€ 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. Giannis Antetokoumpo&#8217;s major achievements NBA Champion (2021) NBA Finals MVP (2021) 2Ã— NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020) 7Ã— NBA All-Star (2017â€“2023) NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021) 5Ã— All-NBA First Team (2019â€“2023) 2Ã— All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018) NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020) 4Ã— NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019â€“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) Giannis Antetokounmpo stats Games played &#8211; 758 Points per game &#8211; 23.1 Assists per game &#8211; 4.8 Rebounds per game &#8211; 9.7 Playoffs stats: Games played &#8211; 79 Points per game &#8211; 26.6 Assists per game &#8211; 5.2 Rebounds per game &#8211; 12.0 Giannis Antetokounmpo&#8217;s 2024 net worthÂ  Giannis Antetokounmpo&#8217;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 &#8216;Greek Freak&#8217; 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo contract Here is a breakdown of his contract extension with the Bucks:  2023/24 $45,640,084  2024/25 $48,787,676  2025/26 $57,604,894  2026/27 $62,213,285  2027/28 $66,821,676  Endorsement deals of Giannis Antetokounmpo 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo foundation and charity 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&#8217; official sports apparel partner Nike, will run for two years in Athens.Â  Giannis Antetokounmpoâ€™s social media accounts  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/giannis_an34/  Twitter https://twitter.com/giannis_an34  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GreekFreakOfficial/  Website N/A    Personal Information:  Full Name Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo  Popular Name Giannis Antetokounmpo  Date of Birth 6th December, 1994  Birth Place Athens, Greece  Height 6 feet 11 inches  Weight 243 lb  Parents Charles Antetokounmpo (Father)Veronica Antetokounmpo (Mother)  Siblings Francis Antetokounmpo Thanasis Antetokounmpo Kostas Antetokounmpo Alex Antetokounmpo  Nationality Greek / Nigerian  Ethnicity Nigerian  Net Worth $70 Million  Salary $45.6 Million  Spouse Mariah Riddlesprigger (Fiancee)  Relationship/Marital Status Engaged  Children 3  Profession Basketball Player  Team Milwaukee Bucks  Rings 1

Los Angeles Lakers’ J.R. Smith Ridicules the Idea That Dirk Nowitzki is Better than Hakeem Olajowon in All-Time NBA List

Los Angeles Lakers’ JR Smith not happy seeing Hakeem Olajuwon below Dirk Nowitzki