Former Syracuse sensation Michael Carter-Williams had a relatively short NBA career, playing only nine seasons. The Hamilton native showed tremendous upside, winning ROTY and making All-Rookie First Team in 2014. The 6’5″ PG had the perfect mix of physicality, ball-handling and playmaking.
However, MCW’s trajectory didn’t go as planned, with the Sixers rookie regressing with each passing season. No doubt injuries played a critical role, but Michael’s inability to develop a jump shot and high turnover rate were also matters of concern.
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Among the several rosters he shuffled between, the Milwaukee Bucks were his first stop after representing the Philadelphia 76ers for over two seasons. Traded amid the 2014-15 season, Carter-Williams caught Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was on the verge of breaking out.
Recently, appearing on the “Stacey King’s Gimme The Hot Sauce” podcast, the 6’5” guard was asked whether he noticed any early signs of superstar potential in “The Greek Freak.”
“For me, it was like each month you would see those moments more and more. Summertime, you’d see him get stronger, you’d see him learn new moves, and at one point, he did become consistent with those things, and then he took over the league. We knew the talent. We knew what was coming. It was just a matter of time,” replied Carter Williams, who was part of the same draft class as Giannis.
Giannis embodied the “Mamba Mentality”
Hailing from Athens, Greece, Giannis makes for a great specimen when it comes to achieving the “American Dream.” The two-time MVP is the ideal combination of perseverance, resilience and humility. Drafted at No. 15, the 6’11” forward is one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of the league.
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Entering the league, there were many doubts regarding the nine-time All-Star’s physical toughness. This had a lot to do with the Bucks rookie’s extremely lean body type. Understanding the nature of his job, Giannis would put in the work, gaining nearly 51 pounds of muscle.
Growing up, Giannis considered the late Kobe Bryant as his idol, addressing him as the “Michael Jordan of his generation.” KB24 had a lot of influence on “The Greek Freak’s” career, whether challenging him to win the MVP or following it up with a championship.
Kobe believed Giannis had a killer mindset, advising him to be regular at the gym while also focusing on recovery. The five-time Lakers champ also advised the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year to work on his jumper — suggesting he knock down a thousand shots a day to build consistency.
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Turning the Bucks franchise around
An in-house developed talent, Giannis has played twelve seasons with the Bucks thus far. The 30-year-old holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Milwaukee. Putting the small market franchise on the map, “The Greek Freak” led the franchise to its second championship after 52 years in 2021. His efforts also earned him the Finals MVP trophy.
Under the leadership of an all-around forward, the Bucks have made the playoffs every year since 2017. That said, the past couple of years have been disappointing due to major injuries on the roster.
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Additionally, the reports suggest that for the first time in his 12-year NBA career, Giannis is open to the possibility that Milwaukee might not be his ultimate home. Only time will reveal what the future holds for this partnership.