Giannis Explains Why He Was So Quiet Early In Career

Early In Giannis Antetokoumpo's career, he didn't remotely resemble the loud, rambunctious vocal leader that he is today. Giannis, who was drafted with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA draft, arrived in the NBA from Greece. In his press conference following the Bucks' game 5 victory over the Phoenix Suns, Giannis explained that his lack of knowledge of the English language is what held him back early in his career.

Explaining that he was afraid he might say something that would make him look stupid, Giannis prefered to remain silent rather than face embarrassment. Later in his answer, Giannis goes on to explain that his coaches and teammates have worked to inspire him to become a more vocal leader on the Bucks' squad, even citing more recent teammates like Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker.

The Bucks are lucky that Giannis was able to become the leader that he is, and it's looking like that leadership may manifest itself in the first Bucks championship in 50 years on Tuesday night.