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Kostas Antetokounmpo is inspired by his brother's humility: "That’s how you stay good"

If Kostas needs help making it in the NBA, he doesn't need to look very far for guidance and inspiration.
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Kostas Antetokounmpo is a young basketball player looking to make his mark in the NBA. Although he won an NBA title before his more famous brother, Giannis, Kostas has yet to find a home in the Association, most recently signing up with the Chicago Bulls for a training camp deal.

With the Bulls not giving any assurances, Kostas continues to strive and take inspiration from Giannis' work ethic.

Humility and perseverance

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you know that Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA. The Greek Freak has taken the league by storm, hauling in accolades left and right, including the NBA title in 2021. But as Kostas relayed, his brother's success hasn't changed him one bit.

"He's just my brother, to me. It's not like he gets big-headed or anything like that. He's just a humble guy who comes from a humble family. He keeps his head down and works hard," said Kostas.

It's this type of humility that Kostas takes inspiration from as he looks to make his name in the league.

"That's how you stay good. If you're already thinking you're the best player you can be, you're not going to work as hard. That's what makes him get better every year. Seeing your brother have that mentality and my oldest brother have that same mentality, you can always get better."

Uncertain future

With stiff competition for the lone two-way contract on the Bulls, the future is uncertain for Kostas. He could end up in the G League or back home in Greece. But that doesn't faze him, as he remains confident in his abilities.

"I just stay the course, try to get better, try to help the team as much as I can. Everything is meant to be. If you get it, you get it. If you don't, move on to the next opportunity. The goal is just to get better," said Kostas.

"When I'm said and done, I'm going to say I became the best player I could."

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.