Giannis Antetokounmpo, the esteemed player of the Milwaukee Bucks, has had a longstanding partnership with Nike, contributing significantly to the brand’s success in the realm of sports footwear.
However, there’s an intriguing backstory to Antetokounmpo’s allegiance to Nike. Several years back, he came close to sealing a deal with Adidas but opted out due to a poignant reason—his family’s treatment by the company.
Reported by Legion Hoops, Antetokounmpo disclosed that he chose Nike over Adidas primarily because the latter hesitated to extend a contract to his brother, Thanasis.
Interestingly, Antetokounmpo made this revelation during an appearance on his brother’s show, aptly named “The Thanalysis Show.”
Reflecting on his earlier days as a budding basketball talent in Greece, Antetokounmpo expressed initial admiration for Adidas and the enticing offers they presented.
“The contract back then was three to five thousand. We got free clothes, we were happy. We got free food, free clothes, we got a ride to the headquarters in Greece.”
However, the situation took a turn when his family entered the picture.
Antetokounmpo recounted a less-than-friendly encounter with the Adidas representative towards his family members and their reluctance to commit to a contract for his brother.
For Antetokounmpo, Adidas’ unwillingness to support his brother was a deal-breaker, prompting him to walk away from what seemed like a promising arrangement.
At that time, skeptics questioned Antetokounmpo’s decision, given his yet-unproven status in the league and uncertainty about future opportunities.
However, in hindsight, it’s evident that Giannis Antetokounmpo was destined for greatness. His eventual partnership with Nike catapulted him to stardom, solidifying his status as one of basketball’s premier figures.
As for his brother, Thanasis, he too ventured into the NBA, and now, both Antetokounmpo siblings grace the basketball court together, a testament to their collective journey and unwavering bond.
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