It has been a while since the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade turned the Miami Heat into National TV darlings, and the interest and hype around the world have only increased. The Heat’s regular season is about to begin on October 21st, and so far, the superstar has spent four months on his new team getting ready. Let’s take a look at what Antetokounmpo has been doing and how his experience has been.
Antetokounmpo’s Training Camp and Preseason
Since joining the Heat in July, Antetokounmpo has been super busy learning the tricks of the trade over at South Beach. And after getting himself familiar with the famous Heat culture at the many practice sessions and training camp, he finally donned the jersey for Miami and stepped on court for the first time during Miami’s preseason. Antetokounmpo has made a dominant first impression by averaging 15.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in just 18.6 minutes per game over three games.
His hard work paid off as the team enjoyed wins in the first two games against the Toronto Raptors with 129–105 and then the New Orleans Pelicans with 128-118, setting a good precedent for their future.
And personally too, Antetokounmpo appears to be flourishing in his new NBA home. During the second game, Head Coach Erik Spoelstra was impressed by his assertiveness and urged him to bring more of it in the remaining games.
He did sit out the final preseason game on Friday against the Orlando Magic, which the team sadly lost.
Getting Embraced by the Heat
Since joining Miami, the Greek Freak has been welcomed with open arms on his new team. Through his social media accounts, Antetokounmpo gives regular updates to fans, and his posts are filled with practice sessions and bonding activities in Florida. In fact, the roster’s pictures of a boat outing in September earned much attention and praise from all around.
Moreover, he recently appeared on his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s podcast, where he revealed Pat Riley’s sweet gesture for him that left him awestruck. Antetokounmpo said that after his trade to Miami, Riley went to the player’s home country, Greece, to meet him and his family. There, Riley visited and spent time at the court that Antetokounmpo grew up playing on.
Antetokounmpo was amazed by how respectfully his new team president interacted with not just him but all the people that were around him. About Riley, he further added, “He worked out with me, and he spent time with everybody in the gym, so I was like, ‘oh wow’.” This warm reception by Riley left the player in awe of him.
Adapting to the Heat Culture
Miami is known for its intense and grueling culture that requires its players to sweat hard and bring in the hard work. Previous superstars from the franchise have worked tremendously to reach their potential, and Antetokounmpo is following in the same footsteps. In the podcast episode, the 31-year-old revealed that working on the team would bring him the best shape of his life.
He shared that after an hour and a half of practice, the players are made to run in sessions called “tens”. On other teams, this activity is called running “Miamis”, but Antetokounmpo was surprised to learn the Miami staff were unaware of this. According to him, everyone on the team operates with the motto of “pain is your best friend.” Speaking about the players’ spirit, he added, “The 15th guy, the 18th guy on the roster will be ready to play. We work so hard, and they get in such great shape. When they step on the floor, they will be ready.”
The Last Word
Before Antetokounmpo, other players and famous superstars have been vocal about the physical intensity that the team demands. His statement further highlights all the work Miami is putting in for the Antetokounmpo’s promised NBA title, focusing on physical fitness and embracing hard work relentlessly.
And Antetokounmpo firmly believes that after 13 years of experience in the league, Miami can get the best out of him now. Their official 2026–27 season will begin on Wednesday, October 21, and his fans are desperate to see him shine from the get-go.
Featured Image: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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