Giannis Antetokounmpo is exactly the superstar the Miami Heat needed. Soon enough, he'll prove that on the basketball court. But if fans weren't patient enough, one of his boldest comments from the Heat's media day proves this claim in a very big way.
When asked whether he still believed he was capable of reaching "best player in the world" status, Giannis didn't hesitate. In a moment when he could've been humble, he was confident. A moment when it would've been so easy to give a political answer, he didn't.
That's not because Giannis is cocky or overconfident; he's just not a liar. Giannis said he thinks he is the best player in the world because he does. And if not the best, he's on the shortlist of other players who could be in the conversation.
"I really do believe that if not the best, I'm one of the best players in the world. I really do believe I can dominate the game and impact the game in both ways. Even last year, probably one of my toughest years and I'm still able to affect the game in some way."
Giannis is the perfect leader for the Heat's new era of basketball
This is what the Heat has needed. Not just a player who can say all the right things, but also a player who can put his money where his mouth is. And that's exactly what Giannis can do. It's what he will do.
As soon as the season begins, the rest of the league will be reminded just how great a player Giannis is. With a huge chip on his shoulder, especially with the way last season ended, you can bet that Giannis is impatiently waiting for the opportunity to prove himself once again.
If that's not what the Heat needed, I'm not sure what is.
Giannis may not be the loudest voice in the locker room, but when he does speak, you listen. So when Giannis says he believes he can put himself back into the conversation about the best player in the world, you better believe it.
Giannis is the type of player who is going to put in the work every night. He's one of the hardest workers in the league, and likes to operate under the radar. If that's not what the Heat have represented over the last two decades, I'm not sure what is.
It's the confidence, the skill set, the aura that Giannis brings that the Heat were desperately lacking. And no, this is no Jimmy Butler. Giannis is a much better player, with a much higher ceiling.
Giannis is right where he needs to be, and the Heat wouldn't (and shouldn't) want it any other way.
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