Giannis Antetokounmpo’s humble leadership
Giannis Antetokounmpo is constantly in the NBA MVP conversation every year and rightfully so. Who would have ever thought that a little-known international prospect who was selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft would turn out to become one of the best players in the world? His attitude, work ethic, and winning mentality allow him to be the perfect leader for the Bucks and he does it in such a humble manner without any arrogance or selfishness.
He takes accountability whenever the team struggles (which is rare) and the way he leads makes his teammates give their maximum effort. What’s amazing about Antetokounmpo is that even though he is a Finals MVP and two-time regular season MVP, he still finds ways to improve and get better.
He’s one of the most unguardable, unstoppable players in the league and he’s still striving to improve different elements and the few flaws in his game. When asked about who taught him how to control his ego, Antetokounmpo responded by saying:
"“I’ll say life. I’m going to tell you this. From my experience, when I think about, oh yeah I did this, you know, I’m so great, or I had 30 points, I had 25-10-10 or whatever the case may be, because you are going to think about that. Oh yeah we won this and that. … When you focus on the past, that’s your ego. … I’m going to dominate. That’s your pride talking. It doesn’t happen, I mean you’re right there. I try to focus, you know, in the moment, in the present and that’s humility.”"
It’s amazing that a player as talented and accomplished as Giannis is at this point in his career, at the height of his powers, that he can remain that humble.