Giannis Antetokounmpo to Train with Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not slowing down. Even though he scored over 30 points per game for the third time in his career during the 2024–25 NBA season, this year felt different — and better.
Giannis Is Still Improving
For many years, some people joked that Giannis was just a great athlete — someone who could run and jump well, but not much else. At nearly 7 feet tall, with a 40-inch jump, and impressive speed, he has always been physically gifted. Since joining the NBA as a skinny 19-year-old, he’s added over 40 pounds of muscle and now weighs around 242 pounds.
But for all his size and strength, Giannis has often struggled with shooting — especially from midrange and long-distance. He didn’t have a signature post move, and his jump shots were often inaccurate.
That changed last season. Giannis had his best shooting year from midrange, making 44.2% of those shots. He hit 48% from 10 to 14 feet and 45.1% from 15 to 19 feet (NBA.com stats).
Training with Carmelo Anthony
After helping Greece win bronze at EuroBasket 2025, Giannis gave an interview to Greece’s SPORT24. He was asked which NBA players he’d like to train with. Giannis said he prefers working with retired players, and one name stood out — Carmelo Anthony.
He praised Carmelo’s skill in midrange scoring and post-up moves, saying the Hall of Famer made scoring look easy.
Carmelo, who was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, has now responded to the request:
“Let’s work,” he told Giannis.
Giannis Wants to Keep Growing
Giannis is not satisfied with what he’s already achieved. Though he’s a former NBA champion and two-time MVP, he wants to keep improving — especially as a playmaker.
In the past, James Harden criticised his playing style. More recently, Alperen Sengun from the Houston Rockets questioned Giannis’s passing ability. Giannis, however, says he wants to be more involved in creating plays, not just scoring.
Even now, in his 12th NBA season, Giannis is focused on growing his game. He knows people are wondering whether he might leave the Bucks one day to win more titles — but for now, he’s focused on becoming even better.
No Signs of Slowing Down
He may not shoot like Kevin Durant, but Giannis is working hard to be more than just an athlete. Training with someone like Carmelo Anthony shows he’s serious about adding new skills to his game.
Whatever happens next, one thing is clear — Giannis Antetokounmpo is still hungry for success.
