“Don’t Rush to Return”: Pacers Coach Has a Cheeky Advice for Father Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will grace a basketball court for the first time as a father. Their opponents Indiana Pacers’ coach, Nate McMillan, would rather not have him. 

After winning the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award last season, Antetokounmpo has continued to perform in top gear. This season, he is averaging 30 points, 13.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Teams have found it difficult to contain Giannis when he got going.

No wonder McMillan did not want to his team to face Giannis on Tuesday. When asked if McMillan had any advice for first-time father Giannis Antetokounmpo, he cheekily said:  “Enjoy. Take all the time you need…Don’t rush to return.”

Giannis and girlfriend Mariah Riddlespergh welcomed their son on Monday. He missed Milwaukee’s game against Sacranento Kings on Monday but is expected to be back against the Pacers

Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks on the right track

With an impressive 46 wins in 53 games, the Bucks look like real contenders for the Championship this season. With Giannis strongly willing to lead them to their first title since 1971, their roster looks the most complete in the league.

Antetokounmpo also seems extremely positive on the role of a father. During an interview with ESPN in December, he had said: “It makes you more mature, but it’s something I always wanted, to have my own family, to become a father. I always thought that God’s timing is the best timing, and God is doing it right now. I’m happy about it; I’m excited about it.”