Giannis Bucks the American Trend
Rich shares his thoughts on our favorite hero, Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue his journey in Milwaukee and the great state of Wisconsin, signing the supermax extension for an additional five years at $228 million.
And so it happened. Christmas came early.
Our favorite hero, Giannis Antetekounmpo will continue his journey in Milwaukee and the great state of Wisconsin for an additional five years for $228 million.
That might seem like a lot, but he’s actually underpaid. $228 million is cheap for the value he brings. He’s one of maybe three NBA players who are underpaid. The other two are Lebron and Steph Curry. The reason is because they’re cultural phenomenons.
Giannis is the reason I traveled to Paris in January. Giannis is the reason the man sitting next to me during the Bucks game in Paris flew from Frankfurt, Germany that day into Paris and flew back right after the game. What’s the value of that?
In a country obsessed with staring at people on top of the mountain, wishing to instantly be standing atop that peak, Giannis reminds us that you have to climb step by step—day by day. What’s the value of that?
Giannis is different than his American peers. Giannis is different because he is himself. He inspires us to be who we are and live our life true. To stand for our values rather than give in to those projected onto us.
What’s wrong with loving where you are? Does happiness come from finding the perfect situation with the perfect conditions or is it where you commit to and grow in a positive direction—where you’re willing to sweat and bleed because you believe in something greater?
Giannis Bucked the American trend. Over recent years, NBA superstars have moved around from city to city, thinking the next stop will be the one that will provide them what they hope for. The term has been “player employment era,” where talent players can use their platform and stature to pressure organizations into making moves favorable for the individual. The Milwaukee Bucks took a chance on Giannis over seven years ago. He’s seen the progress and has been part of the journey of creating a championship level culture and mindset in the Midwest.
There’s something to be said about loyalty. That’s the word Giannis often identifies with. When you’re humble and grateful for what you already have, you understand that it’s about more than just you. It’s something bigger. You’re just a part of something great that’s happening.
When you believe in yourself, it doesn’t matter about the past. You’re only looking forward. To the future. People who lack imagination stare at the past. They make their decisions based on the past. If you believe in yourself, you’re confident in what you’re doing today will create an even brighter future.
What people don’t talk about in the player empowerment era is the fans. The reason why a league is successful is because of its fans. That perspective is often lost. I heard someone say recently that when a player leaves your city, it feels like a rejection of them. Fans put so much emotional weight into players and teams, it’s a punch to the gut to learn your favorite player of hero doesn’t feel the same way.
In a recent podcast episode, we discussed the standard of excellence the Green Bay Packers hold themselves to in order to compete for Super Bowls. To me, Giannis resigning is a reflection of that culture created in Wisconsin. There are a number of ways to win in sports —and life. Kindness and work ethic are the main values in the Midwest. But those values transcend geography. You can be from anywhere and appreciate those values. It’s not hard to see why Giannis is comfortable and happy where he is. Those seem to be the same values that exist within his immigrant family. It signals to the rest of the country and world that you can work to achieve your dreams in the Midwest. You determine your own success.
Achieve a high goal is rewarding. But ask anyone who’s built something from scratch or has started from a humbling beginning, and they’ll tell you that the journey was worth it. It’s even more fulfilling. Easy isn’t the answer. The obstacle is the way.