Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals Plans To Train with Rockets Legend Hakeem Olajuwon
HOUSTON — NBA players are making their final preparations for the 2023-24 season with training camp less than a month away. For Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, his last off-season training will be in Houston.
Antetokounmpo recently appeared on the 48 Minutes podcast and revealed plans to work out with Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon.
"I have a trip that I’m going to go down to Houston and try to work out with Hakeem Olajuwon," Antetokounmpo said. "I love his game. If I can kind of take a few things from his game or learn anything from the few days I’m going to spend with him, it’s going to be a blessing."
Olajuwon has spent nearly the past two decades coaching some of the league's top players since his retirement in 2002. The teachings of the Hall of Famer allow players to learn the technique behind his legendary footwork.
Olajuwon's list includes Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, LeBron James and Steve Nash. He has also spent time working out with Alperen Sengun during his rookie season in 2022.
"He taught me the post-up moves, and he taught me the spin moves," Sengun said. "I use spin moves a lot in the game, but he told me how I can improve it, how I can do it better.
"I started to work on the moves that he showed me in the practice. I’m trying those moves in the practice and also in the game. When I receive the ball, I am keeping all that he told me in that practice. I’m thinking about those moves in the game, in those positions."
Following the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo joined Olajuwon as two of three players in NBA history to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. Olajuwon achieved the feat in 1993-94. The last player on the list is Michael Jordan, who became the first following the 1987-88 campaign.
