Giannis Antetokounmpo on sitting next to Dirk: 'That's an incredible feeling for me' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP - Scanpix Credit AFP - Scanpix

Together with Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo was one of the only two European players included in the NBA's 75th-anniversary team. The Gree Freak was excited for the opportunity to be included in such a coveted list, but it was not the biggest legends who draw his attention at the event.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Team:Milwaukee BucksPosition:PF, SFAge:27Height:211 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Athens, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

"There were only 2 Europeans in this, right? That's insane. Ok, sitting next to Michael Jordan, that's great, LeBron and Carmelo, just talking real," Giannis said in the press conference. "But having the opportunity to sit next to Dirk that kind of opened the path for us, that's an even more incredible feeling for me."

"I watched him play when I was a kid when he was winning the championship for the Dallas Mavericks. He was one of us," Giannis continued. "Hopefully, Luka, Jokic, and more European players can follow. Hopefully, more African players can follow Hakeem's [Olajuwon's] lead."

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is hopeful that more European players can get into the list when the next time comes. "In 25 years, we're gonna do it again, there are gonna be more non-American people in the group," Giannis told the media.

"It was a great feeling. When you start playing basketball, when you're young, you never imagine being next to all these all-time greats. Your name being called, calling up there to shake their hands, just stand next to them, interact with them, it was amazing. I kind of teared up on stage," Giannis admitted after the ceremony.

"I'm not supposed to be here. Being among those guys, it's crazy," the Greek Freak continued. "I'd never met Michael Jordan before. I saw him one time in Charlotte while we were playing a game, but I never had a chance to introduce myself to him."

"I asked if he was here, but they told me he was not here at first, but then I saw him come out and I was kind of in shock," Giannis remembers his interaction with Michael Jordan. "It was fun just to get to shake his hand and talk to him for like 5 seconds."

Giannis Antetokounmpo

MIN:32.72PTS:29.45 (61.31%)REB:11.24As:6.04ST:0.98BL:1.39TO:3.31GM:49ProfileNBA2021/2022

It was a surreal experience for the Greek superstar to meet all of the great players both of the league's past and the league's present.

"It kind of hits when you're among those guys. Once you walk into a building, a room where you Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Paul Pierce, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Steph Curry, James Harden, Damien Lillard, I mean, I see all these guys, you're like man... It hits you," Giannis expressed.

As part of its 75th-anniversary celebration, the league has released a list featuring the 75 greatest players in NBA history. As part of Sunday's ceremony, the NBA recognized the team during halftime of the All-Star game. Usher, Spike Lee, Tiffany Haddish, and Anthony Anderson narrated the ceremony, while Earth, Wind & Fire performed their song "Shining Star."

The two-time NBA MVP is one of the brightest stars in the league today. He's averaging 29.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6 assists for the reigning NBA champions. The Bucks get back on the court Saturday night in a match against the Brooklyn Nets.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.