Giannis Antetokounmpo’s commitment to rigorous training continues to inspire rising NBA stars, including the San Antonio Spurs’ second overall draft pick, Dylan Harper. Recently, Harper shared his experience of training alongside Giannis and lottery pick Ace Bailey, highlighting the demanding nature of the sessions.
Speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn, Harper emphasized that working out with Giannis involved intense focus on repetition, precision, and perseverance. Every move on the court was executed with deliberate patience and detailed attention.
After that workout, it switched me and Ace’s brain. We talked about it after, like, we doing ball handling to start the workout. You can see how intentional he is. He might not be going the fastest, but he’s going the hardest in the gym.
—Dylan Harper, NBA Player
Giannis’ determination sets a high bar for the young players, pushing them toward near perfection in their skills. Carmelo Anthony acknowledged Giannis’ level of dedication, noting how different it would be to train with him at a younger age. He said,
It would be different if I was at that age working with Giannis because my mindset would be, ‘F**k that, let’s go play.’
—Carmelo Anthony, Former NBA Player
Giannis’s Own Words on His Focus and Commitment in the Gym
The two-time MVP responded to the conversations about his work ethic on Instagram, reinforcing how seriously he approaches his training. He wrote,
Facts I’ll stay in the gym until I get it right I ain’t got nothing better to do. I’m not in a rush.
—Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA Player
Giannis’ relentless approach is evident in his noticeable improvement in mid-range shooting. Last season, he achieved an impressive 44.2% shooting accuracy on mid-range attempts, taking about 4.2 shots per game from that area, surpassing noted players such as Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum.
He once said about this focus on his mid-range game,
I’ve worked on it [mid-range shots] all summer long. They are playoff shots in my opinion. And it is a shot that I believe I can make,
—Giannis Antetokounmpo
Beyond skills, Giannis’ physical transformation from his rookie season to today is remarkable, showcasing his dedication to strength training and conditioning to support his power on the court.
Why Giannis Prefers Training Alone Rather Than with Fellow NBA Players
In the current NBA landscape, players are often noted for their friendly relationships off the court, a shift not seen in other sports like football. Tom Brady, regarded as the greatest football player, has commented on this contrast in competitiveness and camaraderie, saying,
I don’t know how you can wanna crush the competition but then…like have dinner with them the next night.
—Tom Brady, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Player
Giannis shares a similar philosophy, choosing not to train with other NBA players to maintain a competitive edge. He explained four years ago,
That’s why I don’t train with other players. I don’t want to be buddy with them. If we do this and then drink a coffee with them, can I go in the court and use my elbow against them? Can I block or dunk on them? I can’t cause I am authentic,
—Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Giannis, being close with someone off the court would not change their competitive nature on it. To keep competition authentic and intense during play, he avoids forming close bonds with fellow players during workouts.
The Broader Impact of Giannis’s Relentless Work Ethic
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unyielding dedication to his workout grind continually elevates the standards for NBA players, particularly younger prospects like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. His approach emphasizes quality and effort over speed, fostering an environment where discipline leads to measurable improvements, such as his enhanced mid-range shooting.
By choosing to train solo rather than with other players, Giannis preserves the intensity and authenticity needed to compete at the highest level. This mindset not only influences his physical development but also shapes how competition and relationships coexist in professional basketball.
As Giannis maintains this demanding work ethic, his example will likely continue motivating both seasoned and upcoming players who aim to reach elite performance levels in the NBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo 7/0?
A. Giannis Sina Ougko Ugo Antetokounmpo, born on December 6, 1994, is a Greek basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet tall, his unique blend of height, speed, and ability to handle the ball earned him the nickname “Greek Freak.”