Giannis Antetokounmpo is grateful for the encouragement and help he received from NBA legends.

In an interview, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo said that young players should respect NBA legends and learn to humbly accept advice. He also expressed his deep gratitude for the encouragement he received from Kobe Bryant.

The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo previously played for the Milwaukee Bucks for 13 years, helping them win the NBA championship in the 2020/21 season and winning the MVP title twice.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was traded to the Miami Heat in July, said, "I love basketball, and I think you can't become a truly great player if you don't respect the greatest players in history and pay tribute to them."

"I think sometimes when young players enter the league, they don't give those legendary players the respect they deserve. I believe the only reason I've gotten to where I am today is because of those greatest players in history."

In addition, Antetokounmpo previously shared his experience of training with the late legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant.

Antetokounmpo said, "In 2018, I had the opportunity to train with Kobe Bryant. That training session was only two hours long, and his daughter was there too. So we chatted and trained while I took notes."

“Once, Kobe Bryant posted on social media about DeMar DeRozan and Isaiah Thomas, and set specific goals for these two NBA players. I was sitting in the national team locker room at the time, so I replied to him what my goal was. Then he said my goal should be to become the MVP. So, I worked hard for that for a whole year.”

Image source: Internet