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"It's always a great feeling" - Giannis Antetokounmpo talks about his eighth All-Star Game appearance

Giannis is super excited to play in an All-Star Game again.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo has appeared in an All-Star Game multiple times in his career, and yet, for the Greek Freak, it always felt like the first time.

In a press conference on Saturday, Giannis expressed how he felt about his upcoming eighth All-Star Game appearance, where he will try to lead the East All-Stars against the West All-Stars at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

“It’s always a great feeling. I never take it for granted, and I’m never going to let it slide by without appreciating it. From my first until my last one. I’m happy that I’m here. I’m happy that I get to suit up and play, participate in this game in the best place in the world. I’m happy that I’m able to put it on a show for the people,” Giannis said.

Top vote-getter

Giannis' eighth’ All-Star appearance is unique as he dethroned LeBron James as the leader in fan votes. It is the first time in Giannis’ career that he has led the NBA in All-Star votes.

During the press event, Giannis was apologetic after failing to join the East team practice after his flight was delayed due to bad weather.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to come to practice. The plane was delayed. I know there’s a lot of kids that come out to practice that don’t have a chance to go to the game to watch us play. I don’t know if the NBA is that complimentary anymore. They have you pay for it. I don’t know. But the first time I was at the All-Star, it was free,” Antetokounmpo said.

Looking forward to mingling with fellow NBA players

For Giannis, being in the All-Star Game is not only about showcasing an entertaining basketball game for NBA fans but also an opportunity to reconnect with fellow NBA players.

“As I said, it’s great to be here. I appreciate every moment of it. I appreciate that I’m able to put on a show here for the people in Indiana and for the people around the world that are watching. Suiting up with the best players in the world in the locker room, you get memories, great memories, from conversation that I remember that I had, with Carmelo, my first one, and conversations I’m going to have tomorrow with Dame, Tyrese, Brunson, all these players that I don’t always have the opportunity to sit in the same locker room with,” said Giannis.

Taking part in the All-Star festivities is a much-needed break for Giannis. The two-time MVP gets to divert his attention away from the rough campaign the Milwaukee Bucks are having in the season. 

Milwaukee headed into the All-Star break third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-21 record but is just 3-7 under Doc Rivers. The Bucks lost their last two games prior to the break, with both losses coming against teams that were missing key players.

A frustrated Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out the team after a pair of embarrassing losses

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.