Giannis Antetokounmpo on Naomi Osaka Mental Health Saga

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most prominent stars in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks’ talisman is famed for his physicality and aggressive style of play. Giannis began playing basketball in the city of Athens. NBA fans have popularly nicknamed him the ‘Greek Freak’. Giannis led the Bucks to their 2021 NBA championship win.

Giannis started his career in the NBA at the age of 18. Since then, fans have placed immense pressure on the young Greek national’s shoulders to lead the Bucks. Giannis recently spoke about the toll that this pressure took on his mental health. He revealed to GQ Sports he had watched Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka’s documentary.

Giannis said he was watching @naomiosaka‘s documentary the other day.

The way she spoke about the challenges in her career was something he could relate to.

H/T @GQSports pic.twitter.com/i1NAgCV97u

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 16, 2021

Giannis admitted to identifying with Osaka, who also revealed her struggles in dealing with mental health, fans’ pressure, and the media spotlight.

He said, “I started doing it when I was 18. When you’re that young and you’re doing it, people don’t understand the amount of pressure because, at the end of the day, you don’t only have to perform and be the best, you have the big brand that you got to f**king carry on your shoulder.”

He added saying, “You have your own country, Japan, that you got to carry on your shoulder. Or Greece, in my case. You have all these people that you got to take care of.”

Giannis started his NBA career in 2013 as the Bucks’ 15th overall pick in Round 1. The NBA selected Giannis as the MVP in 2019 and 2020. His performance in the 2021 NBA Finals earned him the Finals MVP award.

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The Atlanta Hawks tame Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks fell to a disappointing defeat against the Atlanta Hawks, who were led by Trae Young. Bucks’ talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from injury, but he could not prevent the Bucks from losing 100-120 to the Hawks. Giannis had missed the previous game to a sprained right ankle.

Nov 14, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) attempts a basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and is fouled during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Trae Young led the Hawks scoring a season-high 42 points while Giannis scored 26 points for the Bucks. Both the teams came into the game with dismal form. The Bucks had lost seven games since the start of the season, while the Hawks had lost eight of their previous nine games. The Bucks will host the Los Angeles Lakers next at home in what could be a challenging game for both sides.

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