“Giannis Antetokounmpo almost left the NBA after his family’s visa application was rejected!”: When the Bucks superstar almost left the NBA due to USA’s three-strike rule
Giannis Antetokounmpo almost decided to leave the NBA. As his family’s visa application was denied for the second time!
The Greek Freak as we know him today is one of the NBA’s best athletes. To be fair, he might just be the best player on the planet as of this moment.
But, there was a time when all of this could have gone away. In a mere second. The lack of one stamp on a piece of paper could have derailed Giannis’ entire career and legacy.
Yes, Giannis wanted to leave the NBA at one point in his career, presumably during his rookie season. But why? Because his family was denied entry to the United States of America.
“He was vulnerable. He was scared. Giannis would sleep in the gym because he had no reason to go home.”
Giannis’ transition to America wasn’t easy. When his family struggled to get an American Visa, he almost left the league. #FindingGiannis pic.twitter.com/HRz3Vu0UvO
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 19, 2019
A scared Giannis was tired of the visa rejections, he wanted to leave the NBA
The United States has a three-strike rule. If your visa gets denied three times, you will not be allowed to enter the country. Ever.
The Antetokounmpo family was denied a US visa twice. They were just one denial away from never making it. Giannis was scared. He loves his family and he wouldn’t want to be without them.
He decided that if his family got denied entry, he would leave the NBA. Fortunately, for the NBA, Antetokounmpo’s agent made sure the visa got approved.
Giannis’ story is nothing short of spectacular. A young boy selling trinkets on the streets of Greece to the NBA’s best player, the journey was full of hardships.
Today, he earns over $40 million a year. His story is a salient reminder of why it is important to trust the process.
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