‘I AM CRAZY’: Giannis Antetokounmpo confesses he almost retired due to the ‘pressure’ of his $228 million contract with the Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, reportedly stated that he considered retiring in 2020.

Antetokounmpo revealed that the pressure of signing to a $228 million, five-year deal extension prompted him to consider his future options.

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Antetokounmpo told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “That’s a lot of pressure.”  Experiencing that You have to play like the greatest if you want to be the best.

 

“You must practice as much as possible.” You must project the finest possible self-image. it is difficult. I was prepared to give up on the game in 2020.

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The season before signing the contract, he became only the third player in league history to win both MVP and Defensive Player. At the time, the contract was the most lucrative in NBA history.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly said he thought about retirement in 2020 due to pressure.

That season, he won the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Finals MVP, proving himself deserving of his megadeal.

“It seems like everyone thinks I’m crazy,” Antetokounmpo remarked.

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“You want to walk away from the game and all that money? You just signed the largest contract in NBA history.”

“Dude, feel free to stuff that cash into your… I apologize for the profanity I used.

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Antetokounmpo chose not to retire and guided the Bucks to their first NBA Finals title in 50 years.

That year, he not only won Finals MVP, but also proved that he was worth every penny of his deal, which had been worrying him.

NBA.com/Stats on X: "Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 1st player in NBA Finals history to average 30+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists on at least 60% shooting. 35.2 PPG 13.2 RPG 5.0

This season, Antetokounmpo became the first player in NBA history to average more than 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and more while shooting over 55% from the field.

He averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 55.3 percent from the field. He also helped the Bucks win the Eastern Conference title.