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NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo made his debut in the Podcast world this week. After showing uncertainty in continuing his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, fans were excited to hear what lay ahead for The Greek Freak. But before the 2-time MVP could answer the questions about his future, he was asked about a fellow Nigerian basketball legend who took the NBA by storm in the 90s.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

In his debut podcast, Giannis was humbled by his comparison with the Houston Rockets legend and 2-time NBA Champion Hakeem Olajuwon.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo feels honored to be compared with the Rockets legend

Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the few players to win an NBA Championship in the Michael Jordan era. The Dream dominated the NBA in the 90s, leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back Championships in 1994 and 1995. The 12-time All-star was one of the best Centers in the league in an era dominated by Big Men. So, when the 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about his comparison with the ?Best Athlete in Africa? during his podcast debut on 48 Minutes, he got humbled by the comparison.

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?Fans like to talk about the next Jordan or the next Kobe, but they never talk about the next Hakeem Olajuwon.? The host said, comparing The Greek Freak?s playing style to The Dream. Giannis being the humble NBA superstar he is, responded, ?That?s a great compliment, to be even in the same sentence as Hakeem Olajuwon.? The Bucks Forward showered praises on the 2-time Champion for being loyal to one team and doing it the right way. ?For sure the best African Player to ever play this game.? Added Giannis.

Giannis and Hakeem’s Comparison is pretty accurate

Even though Giannis did not completely accept his comparison with Hakeem and left it to the fans and the media to judge, the comparison was pretty accurate. Both superstars come from Nigerian roots and wear No. 34 on their backs. They were both the leaders of their respective franchises and led their teams to NBA Championships. Even in their playing style, Hakeem dominated the NBA with his footwork and iconic ?Dream Shake?. And Giannis has also mastered his footwork, using it in his Euro Steps and post moves.

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Read More: After Attempting to Lure Major Contract From Saudi Arabia, Giannis Antetokounmpo Shows His Frugality While Endorsing a $165,370,000,000 Worth Company: ?It?s Free??

Both 7-footers annihilated their opponents with their size and skills in the paint. Giannis also revealed that he would fly out to Houston to work out with The Dream before the season begins. The Bucks? star does not like to work out with active players because he likes to have an edge over his opponents. So, he only trains with retired players, and Hakeem will be the third Hall of Fame player that Giannis has trained with in his career. The first two were Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant.

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After Giannis? revelation of working out with The Dream, fans cannot wait to see the Greek Freak pull out The Dream Shake on his defenders and take his game to a whole another level.

Watch This Story: Rumored to Join Stephen Curry?s Warriors, $228,200,420 Earning Giannis Antetokounmpo Follows Michael Jordan?s Footsteps to Gain Money Through Golf

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Rohan Bhaunt

3,045 Articles

Rohan Singh Bhaunt brings over a decade of basketball experience to his role as Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. A former point guard and video educator with a 62K-strong YouTube following, Rohan channels his high basketball IQ into detailed play-by-play analysis. His background helps demystify complex strategies, blending a player’s lens with sharp editorial clarity. He continues to foster a community of active players through practical breakdowns and easy-to-adopt playing tips.

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Sameen Nawathe

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