Giannis Antetokounmpo admitted that he prefers not to work out with active NBA players since he fears losing his edge. However, the star has worked out with two former NBA players like – Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. Looking to add to that prestigious list, ‘the Greek Freak’ revealed on 48 Minutes that he will be flying down to Houston soon to practice with Hakeem Olajuwon. The Greek star told the hosts of 48 Minutes:
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“This season, before the training camp, I’m going to go down to Houston, and try to workout with Hakeem Olajuwon…It’s a few people that I have worked out with, KG (Kevin Garnett), Kobe (Bryant), and Hakeem will be the third guy. I love his game, and if I can take a few things, or learn from the few days I’m going to spend with him, it is going to be a blessing.
He is a guy I looked up to my whole life. He is a guy that my parents look up to, because he was the #1 guy in Nigeria. He was the best athlete. In Nigeria, he was the best athlete, in Africa (even). So, just being able to spend some time with him, study the game with him, and learn from the greats, it is a blessing.”
Giannis was blessed with the height and athleticism to make it to the NBA. However, he had to work harder than most would think before he became an NBA superstar.
Now, with him working out with the NBA legend who has helped so many NBA greats, the superstar could take his game to a whole new level, especially his footwork and ball-handling. Hakeem did the same for guys like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant and could unlock similar attributes in the 2x MVP.