Giannis Antetokounmpo named GQ's Athlete of the Year

The reigning Finals MVP was selected by GQ Magazine as one of three ‘Men of the Year’.

As this year nears its close, Giannis Antetokounmpo can add another award to the list of them he accomplished in 2021.

GQ has named Antetokounmpo its Athlete of the Year as part of its “Men of the Year” series, a group that also includes actor Tom Holland and rapper Lil Nas X.

The magazine is calling 2021 “The Year of the Brave” and says all three cover stars — Antetokounmpo, Holland and Lil Nas X — “embody the spirit of bravery” as the issue looks to celebrate the year’s “cultural high points.” Recent past winners of the “Men of the Year” moniker include actors George Clooney, Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, comedian Trevor Noah, NBA agent Rich Paul and others.

Introducing #GQMOTY 2021: musician of the year @LilNasX, athlete of the year @Giannis_An34, and superhero of the year @TomHolland1996 https://t.co/YZuUpUzofm pic.twitter.com/Z1MWo5sq6i

— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 15, 2021

The GQ article on Antetokounmpo looks back at his journey to the top of the NBA mountain after he powered the Bucks to their first NBA Finals in 47 years. Not only did Antetokounmpo get them to The Finals, but he was monstrous throughout it, too.

Giannis serving looks as @GQMagazine's Athlete of the Year.

: https://t.co/OJzV9yY114#GQMOTY x @GQSports pic.twitter.com/0NLwb3cFjs

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 16, 2021

He had at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in three of the six games against the Phoenix Suns and, in the title-clincher, finished with 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. All that added up to Milwaukee’s first NBA title in 50 years after a 105-98 win in Game 6. He was named Finals MVP and joined Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players in NBA history to win a regular season MVP, a Finals MVP and a Defensive Player Award in their careers.

Per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, this isn’t the only time GQ has written about Antetokounmpo, as the magazine did past features on a young photographer who got to photograph Antetokounmpo in his native Greece and a new watch he sported after the playoffs.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.