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Jul 16, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Kaseya Center. © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
For decades, like most American sports, the NBA has enjoyed a long history and lineage of success. Giannis Antetokounmpo understands history. In 2013, the Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the No. 15 pick. When he arrived in Milwaukee, the franchise seemed to be in transition.
Gone was the Ray Allen era. The Bucks fell off, missing the playoffs and losing games in all manner of ways. Yet this was the same franchise that featured names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Sidney Moncrief, and Marques Johnson as organizational greats. With that in mind, the newest member of the Heat could feel a sense of history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Marvels at Heat’s Locker Room History
The Heat traded guard Tyler Herro and a mix of draft picks and player capital for Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis. He joined center Bam Adebayo, fresh off an 83-point game during last season.
The Bucks appear to be in a rebuild. Meanwhile, the Heat, due to the trade, immediately entered a “win now” mode. Speaking of settings, Antetokounmpo recently walked through the Heat locker room, where team legends and a specific video went viral.
“Wasn’t this like when LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh and the big 3, the Harlem Shake? Those moments are so iconic bro.”
The video featured the song “Harlem Shake” by American DJ Baauer. It opens with the team stretching and socializing, as forward/center Chris Andersen, known as “Birdman,” flaps his arms like wings. Then it cuts to the team, all dressed in different costumes, from a king to Mario from “Super Mario Bros.”
Yet, as humorous as the video and Antetokounmpo’s recollection were, the power forward later discussed what the era meant to him, detailing his own basketball journey.
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“I started playing basketball in 2008. So, my first memories was watching Kobe and the Celtics. And then I started watching them (the Heat).”
For context, Antetokounmpo accomplished a feat that many players don’t. Five years after picking up a basketball for the first time, he became a first-round draft pick. Not to mention, in the past 20 years, he’s earned two MVP trophies and a championship.
Perhaps the biggest change for Antetokounmpo will be the scenery and expectations. In Milwaukee, he was the beloved leader whom the team developed. Now, with Miami, he will be counted on to start winning immediately.
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