“You Can Admit Sometimes”: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Brothers Reveal the One Thing They Don’t Like About the Bucks Superstar’s Mindset
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is known for his relentless work ethic, humility, and dedication to basketball. A two-time NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA champion, he’s widely respected around the league for his commitment to excellence. But even superstars have their quirks—and according to his brothers, Giannis isn’t immune to constructive criticism.
In a recent podcast episode of Thanalysis, hosted by his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the Antetokounmpo family opened up in a rare, candid conversation. When asked what they don’t like about Giannis, the brothers laughed but didn’t shy away from honest feedback.
“Sometimes, He Just Won’t Admit It”
“Giannis doesn’t like to admit when he’s wrong,” Thanasis said, smiling. “You can tell him something 10 times, show him it didn’t work, and he’ll still say, ‘Nah, let’s try it my way one more time.’”
Kostas Antetokounmpo, a fellow NBA player who won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, chimed in: “You can admit sometimes, bro. That’s what we’re saying. It’s okay to be wrong!”
While the exchange was light-hearted, it highlighted a characteristic that often defines elite athletes—their stubborn belief in themselves. For Giannis, that mentality has helped propel him from selling trinkets on the streets of Athens to hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But within his inner circle, the desire for self-reflection and compromise is just as important.
Perfectionism or Pride?
There’s a fine line between confidence and stubbornness. For the Antetokounmpo brothers, it’s a daily dance—one they’ve embraced but occasionally find frustrating.
Alex Antetokounmpo, the youngest of the four basketball-playing brothers, offered more insight: “Giannis is such a perfectionist. He thinks if he trains harder or works longer, he can control every outcome. But basketball is a team game. Sometimes you have to adjust, even if it’s not your idea.”
That mindset was apparent during the Bucks’ turbulent 2023-24 season. Despite a star-studded roster that included Damian Lillard, Milwaukee fell short of expectations and suffered an early playoff exit. Many analysts pointed to Giannis’s rigid offensive preferences as a reason for the Bucks’ lack of cohesion.
Inside the Locker Room
While Giannis remains a respected leader in Milwaukee, some sources close to the organization have noted tension when it comes to tactical flexibility.
“Giannis wants to win, no doubt,” said a team staffer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But he’s got strong opinions on how things should be done. When you pair that with a coach trying to implement a new system or new teammates trying to gel, it can be tough.”
During the 2024 season, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reportedly had several “spirited” conversations with Giannis about late-game play calls and his role in the offense. While Rivers praised the star’s competitiveness, he also hinted at the need for more openness to change.
“Great players are always evolving,” Rivers said in a post-game interview last spring. “Giannis is already one of the best, but like all of us, he can grow.”
Brothers Keep Him Grounded
Giannis’s brothers are not just family—they’re also his sounding board. From pick-up games in the driveway to NBA championships, the Antetokounmpos have journeyed together, building a unique bond of trust and accountability.
That trust allows them to say what others can’t.
“We’ve earned the right to call him out,” Thanasis said. “We’ve seen the struggle. We’ve been in the trenches. If anyone can tell him to chill or rethink something, it’s us.”
It’s that internal feedback loop that has helped Giannis avoid many of the pitfalls that come with stardom. He’s known for staying humble, keeping a small inner circle, and investing in personal development.
But when the brothers say, “You can admit sometimes,” it’s a reminder that even the most driven individuals need moments of self-awareness.
What Drives Giannis
Those close to Giannis say his refusal to admit defeat stems from his journey. Born in Greece to Nigerian immigrants, Giannis grew up in poverty, often sharing one pair of shoes with his brothers as they trained. That hardship shaped a relentless mentality—one rooted in survival, not just success.
“Everything I have, I had to fight for,” Giannis has said in interviews. “So when I believe in something, I go all in.”
That mindset has served him well. He’s a Finals MVP, 8-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA First Team selection, and one of the most marketable faces in the league. But it also makes it harder to pivot or accept feedback—especially when he believes his way has already produced results.
Learning Through Loss
After the Bucks’ second-round playoff exit in 2024, Giannis was asked what the team could do differently moving forward. His response was vintage Giannis: “We need to trust our process, stay the course, and keep working.”
But in the days that followed, reports emerged that several teammates wanted a more collaborative offense—one where Giannis played more off-ball and allowed others to initiate.
That’s where the “admit sometimes” message from his brothers seems particularly timely. Growth often comes not from winning but from losing. And for Giannis, the challenge may no longer be to prove himself—but to evolve himself.
The Next Chapter
As the Bucks prepare for the 2025-26 season, Giannis remains the franchise cornerstone. With new personnel decisions looming, including potential roster shake-ups and a continued search for on-court chemistry with Damian Lillard, the star forward’s flexibility could be the key to another championship run.
His brothers believe he’s up for the task.
“Giannis listens,” Alex said. “He might not always admit it right away, but he reflects. He watches the tape. He learns. That’s why he’s great.”
And that’s why fans in Milwaukee still believe in their star.
A Message for Fans
The Antetokounmpo brothers’ podcast moment wasn’t just a family joke—it was a glimpse into the humanity behind the greatness. It showed that even global icons are still growing, still learning, and still leaning on those closest to them for guidance.
In a world where athletes are often surrounded by yes-men, Giannis is lucky to have a support system that tells him the truth—even when it stings.
“You can admit sometimes” isn’t a dig. It’s a call to evolve. And if there’s one thing Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven over and over again, it’s that he’s built to grow.
The Bucks’ future remains tied to their franchise superstar. If Giannis can channel the love and honesty from his brothers into personal growth and leadership evolution, Milwaukee may not be far from another title.
After all, greatness isn’t about never being wrong—it’s about learning from the moments you are.
And sometimes, admitting that… is the first step forward.
