Giannis thanks Bucks fans in letter after inking $100M extension

The Milwaukee Bucks gave Giannis Antetokounmpo $100 million reasons to be happy, but that's not all he's thankful for.

Having grown up in impoverished conditions in Greece, the Bucks took a chance on Antetokounmpo back when he was an unknown 18-year-old. He's been forever grateful to the franchise and the fans ever since, as he's developed into one of the league's most exciting up-and-coming players.

Antentokounmpo wrote a letter thanking Bucks fans on Friday:

Bucks Fans,

When I first came here three years ago, just 18 years old and embarking on an incredible journey in a foreign land without my family by my side, you embraced me. Your support during those first few months was incredible. While I adjusted to a new league and a new life, you welcomed me and treated me like family, as though I’d been a part of this community my whole life. When my parents and brothers arrived later that season, you welcomed them with open arms as well. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. That first game they attended - an exciting win over the Knicks in early February - didn't mean much in the standings that season, but it meant the world to me. Family has always been a driving force in my life, and after three years here in Milwaukee I'm proud to say that you all are a part of my family now, too.

The Bucks took a chance on me three years ago, and have invested so much into helping me grow as both a player and a person. I promise to make that a great investment for both this team and city, on the court and off. I'm going to do whatever it takes to bring a championship back to our great fans, and I'm going to keep growing as a member of this community to make it a better place for future generations.

We still have a ways to go. I've seen how difficult it is to win in the NBA and I understand how hard we're going to have to work to get there. We have all the tools, though, and we have the best fans in the world here in Wisconsin ready to embrace this team just as you've embraced me and my family. We're building something special right now and there's no place else I'd rather be.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can't wait to see you all this season and for many years to come.

Now let's get to work!

- Giannis