Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke for the first time as a Miami Heat player, explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave Milwaukee and begin a new chapter of his career.
The Greek superstar emphasized that he was looking for a new challenge and an environment capable of pushing him to improve even further.
“The Big Three was around 2010. I kind of grew up in that era. I know the expectations this team has. I love pressure. I thrive under pressure. I need pressure. I got to get out of my comfort zone. We are very liked-minded. It was a no brainer. I wanted to be here”
Giannis also reiterated his motivation ahead of his new adventure:
“I’m so driven and I’m ready for this challenge. I love pressure because it brings out the best in me. I don’t like being in my comfort zone. I think this is the right place for me and I’m excited to be here.”
The two-time MVP also explained his decision to change his jersey number from 34 to 7. The number 34 became a symbol of his career in Milwaukee, where he won the 2021 NBA championship and spent his entire career before the trade.
“The number 34 carries a lot of weight. I want to leave it in Milwaukee out of respect. It’s almost like having closure, mentally and emotionally. That number meant a lot to me. Number 7 feels fresh and clean.”
Heat president Pat Riley also spoke about the franchise’s ambitions following Giannis’ arrival:
“We are here to win. Giannis wants to win. Our plan is to go for it right from the beginning. We have one of the best coaches, if not the best coach, in the league. We hope that Giannis can be here until the end of his career.”
Riley then joked about the possibility of another superstar arrival, hinting at a potential return of LeBron James to Miami:
“With Giannis, the first plane has landed. Now we have to bring another one down…”
“It was a no brainer, I wanted to be here.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo on joining the @MiamiHEAT and his respect for “Heat Culture” at his introductory press conference! pic.twitter.com/ZlAcXSWQzg
— NBA (@NBA) July 16, 2026
“I wore 34 because my mom was born in 1963 and my dad was born in 1964 so I took the three and four… if you add three and four it equals seven… I feel like 34 holds so much weight and it has so much history. Out of respect to the organization that drafted me… I decided to… pic.twitter.com/oR7HcoH8fy
— NBA (@NBA) July 16, 2026
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