Greek/Nigerian basketball star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has yet to suit up with the Miami Heat, but the two-time NBA MVP has already set his sights on winning the 2026-2027 NBA title.
Antetokounmpo, a 10-time All-Star, was traded in July along with Bobby Portis and draft picks to the Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and draft picks.
Along with Antetokounmpo and Portis, the Heat added Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. to join a roster featuring Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larson and Davion Mitchell.
“I know that I’m going to put in the work,” Antetokounmpo said. “Succeed or fail, I’m going to fail by working or succeed by working. And the goal is to win a championship. That’s the goal.”
“This is all new for me. I’m trying to learn defence. I’m learning offences. I am trying to fit in the locker room with new faces. I’m trying to be able to play with players that I’ve never played before. It’s all new for me. It’s exciting.”
At 31, Antetokounmpo — who led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 NBA title — does not lack confidence in his ability even after 13 seasons in the league.
“I really do believe that, if not the best, I’m one of the best players in the world,” Antetokounmpo said. “I know when I’m at my best, when I’m locked in, when my body is right.”
“I really do believe that I can dominate the game and I can impact the game in both ways, offensively and defensively. I think I’ve shown it over the years.”
Ranking fifth in both points (21,531) and rebounds (8,882) since joining the league in 2013, Antetokounmpo also has the Heat feeling he remains among the NBA’s elite.
