Rise: An Inspiring Disney Biopic of Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Brothers

Many fans know how great Giannis Antetokounmpo is today but only a few knew his rise to greatness. In a new Disney+ biopic movie ‘Rise’, the fans of Greek Freak will get a chance to see the truth behind Giannis and his brothers’ success in the NBA.

RISE: A Disney+ Original Biopic Movie About The Antetokounmpo Brothers’ Path in the NBA

The movie ‘Rise’ brings us back to Antetokounmpo’s roots and heritage. After migrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Giannis’ parents) would give birth to four wonderful boys: Thanasis, Kostas, Giannis, and Alex.

Their story begins with the youth of the Antetokounmpo brothers while also learning the sport of basketball. Along the way, this family will face huge obstacles (racial discrimination, immigration, financial problems, and more) which will strengthen their bond and closeness. As Giannis said, “when one person in the family scores, the whole family scores”.

Image Courtesy of Disney+

For those who would love to see how Giannis and his brothers made it big to the NBA (and eventually became the first-ever trio of brothers to win an NBA championship), the movie is already available on Disney+ since it was already released last Friday, June 24, 2022.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Rise to Stardom

The Greek Freak, photo courtesy of eurohoops.net

Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as “The Greek Freak”, was the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA draft. He was an athletic forward who was seen with huge upside but had a very thin frame. Unexpectedly, NBA scouts discovered him during his pro career in Greece. Due to his skill set, Giannis One team that initially had a huge interest in Giannis was the Atlanta Hawks, who had the 17th and 18th pick in the first round in 2013. Little do the Hawks know, Milwaukee (who was picking no.15) was also eyeing the young athlete from Greece. Both organizations wanted to keep Giannis a secret from other teams to keep him for themselves.

Long story short, the Bucks drafted Giannis and the rest is history. Meanwhile, the Hawks picked Dennis Schroeder in the 17th spot followed by Shane Larkin in the 18th spot (who was traded to Dallas). The Hawks really did miss a chance at a Championship after losing Giannis in the draft. Although, they had a nice run with Dennis Schroeder as their starting point guard during the Al Horford era.

Let’s take a look at the 14 names called up before Giannis and where they are now:

1. Anthony Bennett (NBA Bust, playing overseas)

2. Victor Oladipo (All-Star, but always injured)

3. Otto Porter (Role Player, Golden State Warriors)

4. Cody Zeller (Role Player, Portland Trailblazers)

5. Alex Len (Role Player, Sacramento Kings)

6. Nerlens Noel (Almost out of the league, New York Knicks)

7. Ben McLemore (Role Player, Portland Trailblazers

8. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Good scorer off the bench, Washington Wizards)

9. Trey Burke (Role Player, Dallas Mavericks)

10. C.J. McCollum (All-Star caliber guard, New Orleans Pelicans)

11. Michael Carter-Williams (Rookie of the Year but never developed, Orlando Magic)

12. Steven Adams (most beloved player by fans, Memphis Grizzlies)

13. Kelly Olynyk (role player, Houston Rockets)

14. Shabazz Muhammad (already out of the league)

Aside from Antetokounmpo, Gobert, Oladipo, and McCollum, the 2013 draft was a bit of an underwhelming class.

Because of Giannis’ great work ethic, he developed into the dominant force he is today. At the very young age of 27 years old, Giannis is already part of the “75 Greatest Players in NBA History” and has already achieved a lot in the league even before turning 30.


Have you watched the movie yet? Feel free to share your opinions and insights in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.  

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