He didn't come down the chimney, and he's not a jolly fat man in a red suit. But Santa came early for Milwaukee Bucks fans -- and to Wisconsin in general.
In this case, Santa is Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and only the third player to be MVP and defensive player of the year in the same season.
The Greek Freak put smiles on fans all over Wisconsin this week by signing the largest contact in NBA history, worth $228 million over five years. The fifth year is an option year, but it still means Giannis is under contract for six more seasons.
"This is my home, this is my city," Giannis said in a Tweet after news of the deal broke. "I'm blessed to be part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next (five) years. Let's Make these years count. The show goes on, let's get at it."
Let's fact it, Milwaukee and Wisconsin have been home to Giannis since he was drafted by the Bucks, an 18-year-old from the Sepolia neighborhood north of Athens, Greece. He, and his family, have grown up here. Now 26, he's done nothing but grow, work and improve. Last season averaging 29.6 points and 13.6 assists per game, also dishing out 5.6 assists. He's the first player since Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlin to average at least 29 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Chamberlin did that playing over 47 minutes a game with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1967-68 season.
It's refreshing to have a superstar like Giannis WANT to stay in a small market. Says a lot for the moves the Bucks have made to build a championship-caliber team around him.
"This is my home," says Giannis, "and I'm going to continue working hard and do my best to make the Bucks, our fans and the city proud. Let's have fun, win and make these years count."
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