Giannis Antetokounmpo is a legend in his own right at this point, but he was a willing learner from a basketball icon earlier in his career
During a conversation with former Milwaukee Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke, Antetokounmpo called a workout with Kobe Bryant the “best experience of my career, for sure” while explaining how meaningful it was for him
“I don’t think players are willing to do today, they’re not willing to be vulnerable,” he said (32:30 mark). “They’re not willing to show weakness. They’re not willing to show appreciation to somebody that’s better. …If you always think you’re the best, how can you learn?
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“…I remember I showed vulnerability. I had my notebook and I asked many questions. And he answered every single question, and he never made me feel like we were running out of time. One of the best experiences in my career. Best experience of my career, for sure.”
Antetokounmpo also said he “loved” that he showed up before Bryant but joked he realized “it was a mistake” when the Los Angeles Lakers legend wore him out with workouts
Bryant surely had plenty to teach as one of the best players in NBA history with a resume that included five championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, one league MVP, two scoring titles, 15 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Defensive selections and 18 All-Star Game nods
His work ethic was the stuff of legend, as Antetokounmpo found out during what he described as a grueling workout
But it clearly paid off for the new Miami Heat star, who became one of the best players of his generation as a champion, two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, NBA Finals MVP, nine-time All-NBA selection, five-time All-Defensive selection and 10-time All-Star
He is now a veteran leader of his own at 31 years old and entering a new chapter of his career after the Bucks traded him to the Heat this offseason
And that might mean he puts some of the young Heat players through a similar workout that Bryant did for him
