The Miami Heat have had an unmatched run in this playoff [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/2020-nba-playoffs/] season. They are the only team who have managed to get a confirmed ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. Very few had expected them to finish the job in just 5 games against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/milwaukee-bucks/]. They have only lost one game throughout the playoffs and truly deserve the place they have got in the finals. However, there is one former who player doesn’t agree with this fact. His viewpoints differ from most people and have really questioned where they currently stand. WAS IT TOO EASY FOR THE MIAMI HEAT? [https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/giannisinjury1.jpg] One would probably consider their victory against the Bucks, one of the biggest upsets this season. This is a triumph that has led most to believe that they have the potential to make it to the NBA Finals as well. What’s surprising is that there is one individual who feels very differently on this subject. According to ESPN, Former Boston Celtics’ player Paul Piece claimed [https://twitter.com/flasportsbuzz/status/1304206347039277058?s=20], “that the Heat hasn’t been tested in the playoffs and won’t be going to the NBA Finals”. In reference to his, Barry Jackson put it perfectly on his twitter that it seems like Pierce is unaware of the fact that they’ve just beaten a top-seeded team which was 52-8 at one point in time. This claim seems outrageous as the Bucks ended with the best NBA record. They were also led by the Giannis Antetokounmpo [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/giannis-antetokounmpo/], the Defensive Player of the Year. The first two games were no piece of cake for the Heat. They had to overcome a double-digit deficit in game 1. While game 2 was a close call before they finally took a 2-0 lead. This makes it beyond anyone’s understanding of why Piece would feel this way,. DOES IT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT HEAT MIGHT HAVE TO FACE HIS FORMER TEAM? Boston Celtics are standing at a 3-3 tie against the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. If they win this round, they will be facing Miami Heat in the Finals. Looks like Pierce just wanted to stand by his team and warn the Heat what they will be in for if they have to face the Celtics. 

After Miami Heat caused an incredible 4-1 upset against the Milwaukee Bucks,
Former Celtics player want's them to be properly challenged.

Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in
providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's
degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game
came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the
intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked. Her interest for the game transitioned
into her love for writing the sport. Previously, she has had experience as a
scriptwriter for short films and a freelance photographer.

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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

“Won’t Be Going to the NBA Finals”: Former Celtics Star Makes Bold Predictions About Miami Heat

Was it too easy for the Miami Heat?

Does it have something to do with the fact that Heat might have to face his former team?