“Could Watch This Every Single Day!”: Shaquille O’Neal ‘Emotionally’ Uploads Giannis Antetokounmpo’s $110,000,000 ‘Rags to Riches’ Story

Giannis Antetokounmpo has worked very hard to get to the position he is in today. An NBA Champion and a two-time MVP, the Greek Freak’s rise to superstardom carries a riveting tale of beating poverty and obscurity. Hailing from a very humble background, Antetokounmpo’s story can easily be the plot of a movie, and it has been as well. The story of his determination is so touching, that NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently shared it on Instagram. After all, Shaq too had to struggle with circumstances to reach the top.

Growing up, Big Diesel wasn’t exactly well off. He was poor and had to slog and earn everything he ever wanted in life. As such, his childhood played a big role in making him the man he is today. In fact, it continues to play an important role in his life, as it is the basis for many of his decisions when it comes to investments and endorsements. This is probably why Giannis’ “rags to riches” story speaks to him so much.

Shaquille O’Neal shares Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “rags to riches” story on Instagram

Things weren’t easy for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who grew up in Athens, Greece. Prior to becoming an NBA superstar worth $110,000,000, the Greek Freak worked as a court cleaner, sold goods on the streets of Greece. Nevertheless, he had aspirations of making it to the NBA, aspirations that were even laughed at by reporters.

Fast forward to now, Giannis has achieved that dream and much more. It’s an inspirational story, one that was shared on Instagram by Shaq. While it doesn’t cover the 2021 NBA Champion’s entire journey, it shows snippets of the progress he has made thus far. A true “rags to riches” tale.

It’s a heartwarming video and one that has even hit Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal in the feels. The Big Aristotle reshared the video on his IG story, showing the admiration he has for Giannis and his journey to the top. Something that he can relate to, given how he too had to go through his fair share of struggles.

“I could watch this over and over again every single day!”

Shaquille O’Neal shares Giannis Antetokounmpo’s story pic.twitter.com/8nX3xGSv4R

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) September 2, 2023

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nick Vitello (@getaheadwithnick)

Giannis’ story was turned into a movie last year. The 2022 film Rise captures the rise of the Antetokounmpo brothers from poverty and obscurity.

Giannis would return to his past life if it meant getting his father back

Apart from cleaning courts, Giannis Antetokounmpo did all he could to support his family. This included working as a street hawker, selling CDs, watches, and glasses in his neighborhood of Sepolia in Athens. It was the harsh reality for Giannis and one that made his rise to the top all the more special.

However, as he revealed in an interview, the 2021 Finals MVP would give up his life of luxury as an NBA superstar and go back to selling trinkets on the street if it meant he could get his father back.

“I would give it all up, without a second thought! Take it all back. I would go back to Sepolia selling CDs to have my father back.”

Giannis truly is an inspiration to all those around him. His values of hard work, determination, and family are what make him a top player in the league. Now aged 28, he still has a long way to go in his NBA career and will surely continue to be a shining example for all those who look up to him.