Giannis Antetokounmpo has blossomed into one of the biggest stars in the modern NBA. Still, once upon a time, he was the very definition of a development project for the Milwaukee Bucks. Since averaging 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in his rookie campaign, Antetokounmpo has become a multi-time MVP and one of the top players in the game.
However, he didn’t reach this level alone, as many players and coaches contributed to his development, ultimately propelling him to the level he is at, where he will likely be remembered as one of the greatest power forwards in league history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Credits O.J. Mayo for Helping Him in His Rookie Year
In a recent interview with Austin Rivers, Antetokounmpo opened up on those early days as he was finding his footing in the NBA, something that didn’t come easy for the Greek Freak. However, he credits veteran O.J. Mayo for being there for him, telling a story of how Mayo even paid for all of his furniture as he was trying to adjust to life in the NBA and in North America.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo: Yes. And then I realized the story — he played in Dallas, he played in Memphis, and all that. And then I apologized. I said, “Hey man, I’m sorry. Like, no disrespect. I just– I didn’t follow the NBA, you know?” And he was like, “No, I like you, young fella. Blah blah blah.” Then he helped me out. He paid for all my furniture.
Austin Rivers: Really?
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Yes. That’s my OG. My guy, man. My guy.
Austin Rivers: He even paid for your furniture?
Giannis Antetokounmpo: O.J. Mayo paid for my furniture. Like, helped me out — moving in.
Austin Rivers: That’s a bet.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: One day, I got locked outside my house. I don’t know how.He took a butter knife, like two butter knives, and he did this… opened the door for me. He was like, “Okay, young fella, get in. We’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Like, he was my guy, man. Anything I needed, I called O.J.”
While there are likely many stories like this out there about veterans treating their rookies right, given Mayo’s reputation, to hear him do such a nice thing for a young rookie like Giannis is a fantastic story. At the time, no one knew that Antetokounmpo would turn into the player he is today, making the tale involving Mayo even more impressive and selfless.
In 2025, the Bucks star is one of the best players in the entire NBA, and although he’s recently gone down with an injury, when healthy, he makes this Milwaukee Bucks team a genuine threat every night.
Would he have become what he is today without Mayo? Potentially, but even a gesture like this from the veteran can have a significant impact on a player, and as a result, we’ve got a two-time MVP and one of the most dominant players in league history.
