Giannis Antetokounmpo Explains Decision to Change His Jersey Number
Newsweek · C · trust 34/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Giannis Antetokounmpo is on to the next chapter of his NBA career, playing for the Miami Heat .
This coming NBA season marks the first time in 13 years that Antetokounmpo won't be wearing his No. 34 Milwaukee Bucks jersey. Instead, he'll be rocking the No. 7 jersey for the Heat.
During his introductory press conference with the Heat on Thursday, Antetokounmpo explained that the decision to change his jersey number came out of respect for the Bucks organization.
"I feel like '34' holds so much weight and has so much history," he said. "Out of respect to the organization that drafted me and I played with for 13 years, I decided to leave that number there and try to start a new chapter.
"Hopefully I can leave my mark here in Miami and make No. 7 as legendary as No. 34."
Antetokounmpo accomplished a lot in his No. 34 Bucks jersey, including 10 All-Star selections, a Defensive Player of the Year trophy, two NBA MVP awards and NBA Finals MVP honors in 2021. Now, he'll look to add to those career accomplishments in his No. 7 Heat jersey.
The addition of Antetokounmpo makes the Heat an instant title contender, pairing him alongside All-Star big man Bam Adebayo. Miami is also one of the leading contenders to land LeBron James in free agency.
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