Giannis Antetokounmpo makes a SHOCKING revelation about his ‘almost’ retirement plans in 2020

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant and beloved players in the NBA today. The two-time MVP, the 2021 champion and Finals MVP, and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year has led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the Eastern Conference this season. But behind his smile and his success, there is a story of struggle and doubt that he recently shared with Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Antetokounmpo revealed that he was close to retiring from basketball in 2020, right after he signed the largest contract in NBA history at $228 million for five years. He said that he had a conversation with the Bucks’ front office about his decision, which shocked everyone.

“In 2020, I was ready to walk away from the game. I had that conversation – yes – with the front office,” said Giannis.

“If something doesn’t make me happy, I don’t do it. I don’t want to do it. I’m just going to stay home, stay with my kids, stay with my family and try to be happy. I don’t care. And this was right when I signed the largest contract in NBA history.“

He added, “And, you know, very normally, everybody looks at me like I was crazy. ‘You just signed the largest contract in NBA history and you want to walk away from the game and all that money…?’“

Antetokounmpo explained that he was not motivated by money or fame but by joy and happiness. He said that he learned from his father, who passed away in 2017, that having a beautiful family is more important than having anything else.

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How Giannis Antetokounmpo overcame his doubts and fears?

Antetokounmpo admitted that being considered one of the best players in the world came with a lot of pressure and expectations. He said that he felt like he had to perform at a high level every night, practice hard every day, and carry himself like a professional all the time.

However, Antetokounmpo did not give up on his passion for basketball. He said he had a great team around him, including his family, teammates, coaches, and friends, who helped him cope with his mental health issues. Instead of quitting the game, he sought help and started counseling.

Giannis told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “I kept talking with this (counselor). He helped me a lot – not just being a better basketball player, being able to deal with it; but being a better partner, better father, better brother, better son. Better person. Being not locked into myself, being able to give people what I feel. Because at one point, I was trying to get away from everybody. And that’s not me; I’m very social. I like to interact with other people.”

Antetokounmpo’s revelation is shocking but also inspiring. It shows how even someone who seems to have it all can struggle with mental health issues and how important it is to seek help and support when needed.

It also shows how Antetokounmpo overcame his doubts and fears and became one of the most dominant and beloved players in the NBA today.

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