MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo: How porn star Stormy Daniels sparked the 'Greek Freak'
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks earned the MVP title at the NBA Finals after leading his team to a stunning victory over the Suns in Game 6. The 26-year-old player scored a playoff career-high 50 points with 14 rebounds and five blocks. The 6'11" player is popular by his nickname 'Greek Freak' — a reference to his size, speed, and skills on the court.
Often hailed as one of the best players in the world at present, Antetokounmpo had won the NBA Most Valuable Player Awards in 2019 and 2020 as well, joining the ranks of LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Unknown to many, this powerhouse NBA player has a connection with adult film star Stormy Daniels, who grabbed headlines due to her alleged affair with former president Donald Trump. Until a few years ago, Antetokounmpo was unknown to the average American. Now, he is a household name across the country, all thanks to Stormy Daniels. The two had appeared together on an episode of the blockbuster CBS show '60 Minutes' and Antetokounmpo's life took a major turn from there.
READ MORE
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo's girlfriend? Mariah Riddlesprigger is expecting their second baby
On March 25, 2018, the episode 'Stormy Daniels/The Greek Freak' aired as a part of the CBS show '60 Minutes'. The hype for the same was tremendous, especially after the adult movie star spoke out about her sexual encounter with former president Donald Trump. Around that time, the entire country was shocked to see Daniels admitting about $130,000 hush money after her affair with Trump. The episode clocked a viewership of over 25 million and was regarded as one of the biggest television events of the year.
While the first part of the episode featuring Daniels left viewers at the edge of their seats, they were still unaware of the 'Greek Freak' who was featured in the second part of the episode. "The segue to Antetokounmpo was a palate cleanser for the entire country. He was human lemon sorbet," described the Wall Street Journal about his story on '60 Minutes'.
Being featured immediately after a porn star spilled the beans on her scandalous affair with the president, Antetokounmpo's inspiring story made him the accidental star of television overnight. Until then, people were hardly acquainted with his name. But, his inspiring journey of life moved people deeply, earning him millions of fans overnight.
The Greek citizen who was roped in for the 2013 NBA Draft, was born as Giannis Adetokunbo to Nigerian immigrant parents. Due to the Greek nationality law, Antetokounmpo or his brothers did not receive Greek citizenship until the age of 18, making him effectively stateless till then. It was after securing Greek citizenship in 2013 that the family changed their surname to Antetokounmpo following Greek spelling norms.
In his childhood, he saw his parents struggle to find work as immigrants. The future basketball star would then help them out selling watches, handbags, and sunglasses in the streets. He started playing basketball in 2007 at the age of 13 and went on to play for the men's team of Filathlitikos in Athens in 2011. He was roped in for the NBA after playing in the Greek A2 League Season till 2013.
The journey of the 'Greek Freak' - from an immigrant child to an NBA icon being compared to LeBron James - was hardly a cakewalk. But, he continues to make his team proud with one stunning performance after another in every match.