When Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie year had him booming with confidence about his capabilities in NBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie year was one filled with great intrigue. When the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him with the 15th pick in 2013, nobody expected him to become the player he is today.

Coming over from Greece, Giannis was an extremely raw prospect. He picked up the game in his teenage years, but showed flashes of being able to develop into an NBA talent.

Despite being behind the curve compared to those being drafted around him, Giannis never lacked confidence. In a pre-draft interview, he considered himself an "all-around player."

"I'm an all-around player," Antetokounmpo said. "I can jump, I can shoot, I can pass the ball, I can do everything on the court."

When asked about his goals, the future Bucks star kept it simple. He just wanted to make it to the league:

"I want to be NBA player."

Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie year had its ups and downs, but the 19-year-old prospect managed to put together a solid campaign. In 77 games, he averaged 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 asssists.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie year was full of criticism

LA Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Unlike most lottery picks, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rookie year was one filled with a lot of negative comments. While he went on to become a generational talent, many wondered if the Milwaukee Bucks made the right decision by taking the international prospect.

During Antetokounmpo's rookie year, one of the main narratives was his size. Comparing him now to when he entered the league is almost comical. When the Bucks first drafted Giannis, he only weighed 190 pounds. At the time, some were unsure if he'd be able to put on the necessary weight to hang around in the NBA.

Dating to Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie year, his jump shot has always been a major question mark. To this day, it remains the one area of his game that is a weak point. If the two-time MVP ever puts together even a league-average outside shot, he will become impossible to defend.

The final critique of Antetokounmpo's rookie year is his feel for the game. While he showed nice flashes during his first season, it was evident that he still had a lot of learning to do before becoming an impact player.

Looking at the player he is now, it's safe to say Giannis has become the best developmental story in NBA history. He went from a green rookie filled with potential to a multi-time MVP and NBA champion. His journey through the league is one of a kind.