Growing Giannis: Bucks' rookie has grown more than an inch since draft day
Giannis Antetokounmpo has started the last seven games for the struggling Bucks. (Gary Dineen/NBA/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is growing in front of our eyes. Literally.
Thanks to a photo posted on the Milwaukee Bucks' Twitter account on Thursday, we learned that the 19-year-old rookie donned the "Greek Freak" has grown more than an inch since being drafted by the Bucks last June, rising from 6-foot-9 to 6-10 and 1/4 inches. The image of Antetokounmpo will be made into a poster that will be handed out to fans at the Bucks' home game against the Grizzlies on Jan. 15.
An inch might not sound very staggering, but the contrast is actually pretty amazing when putting the two versions of Antetokounmpo side-by-side:
Current Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Draft Day Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo via @Bucks)
Antetokounmpo's seven-month growth spurt doesn't exactly come as a surprise to the Bucks. In fact, SI.com's Ian Thomsen wrote last month that Milwaukee's rookie will likely grow even taller, explaining a medical exam "determined that he has the growth plates of a 16 year old."
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In addition to dealing with a new body, Antetokounmpo is also still assimilating to a new game after coming over from Greece this summer. Nonetheless, the NBA newcomer has oozed potential in limited action for the Bucks this year. In 26 games, the rookie is averaging 7.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 22.4 minutes, while shooting 48.1 percent from the field. His rare combination of length, athleticism and guard-like skills makes him a unique prospect and one Bucks fans can't wait to see more of.
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After inconsistent play to start the season, the flashes of brilliances have been more frequent for Antetokounmpo of late. Last week against the Nets, the "Greek Freak" totaled 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in just the fifth start of his career. While we could write about Antetokounmpo's potential for days (although, we still can't pronounce that last time), we'll let his highlights against Brooklyn do the talking in case you haven't caught wind of the Bucks' growing sensation just yet.
