Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals advice given to MarJon Beauchamp

Following a string of strong performances, Antetokounmpo offered Beauchamp some advice and tips as a rookie.

Milwaukee Bucks rookie MarJon Beauchamp has performed at a high level in spurts when called upon this season, and he has impressed his coaching staff and teammates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The latest performance by Beauchamp came on Monday.

Beauchamp, who has started in three straight games, produced a career-high 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block in a 121-106 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He shot 7-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes.

The 24th pick is taking advantage of a newfound opportunity with the Bucks. The team has turned to him and the 22-year-old has responded by setting new career highs three different times since Nov. 4.

Antetokounmpo remembers what that feeling is like.

I know how it feels to be in his position as a rookie and have that good stretch. The important thing is you have to stay humble. Humility is the biggest key for him to improve. I really believe in him. I believe in what he is about today, and I believe in what he is going to be about 5-10 years from now.

I think he has a skill set that is unique. He plays with a lot of energy. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and he is a guy that leads by example. He is not a big talker. He is going to go out there, play the right way and try to get the job done. It kind of reminds me a lot of how it used to be when I was younger.

Antetokounmpo, more than anyone, knows how important it is to stick to the grind and continue to work on and off the court. He entered the league during the 2013-14 season as a mostly unknown player whose game was vastly different than it is today.

Of course, he established himself as a two-time MVP, six-time All-Star and champion over his 10 seasons with the Bucks. He was named to the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team and is regarded as one of the best to ever play.

He remembers that it was the work and commitment that got him there.

When I was younger, I remember when I had some good stretches and I heard (the media) talk or my teammates talk about me, I felt good about myself, and then I played terrible. I really believe, I think the team believes — not just me, who cares about me? — MarJon believes in himself. … I’m very happy for him, but you gotta keep on going and do it over and over again.

Beauchamp entered the season with an uncertain role as a first-year player on a veteran-heavy team. However, the team values the versatility Beauchamp can play with and his understanding of the game, which has been on display early.

He is playing within himself during his time on the court and letting things come to him at the moment. The team is not necessarily calling plays for him and is just relying on him to make the right play and not force things when his time comes.

Those around him have even convinced him to assert himself more and be aggressive at times. He can score in a variety of ways and can do just about anything that the team asks of him. It is something he even has to remind himself of at times.

I just keep telling myself to believe in your game. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I know how to play this game. I know I’m a good player. I just have to tell myself that and remind myself. I was working with my mental coach and he was just telling me you can’t rely on your coaches or your teammates, it has to be you. I’ve just been telling myself that and letting it come to me.

Beauchamp appears to be putting everything together lately. He is averaging 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, one assist and one steal on 44.4% shooting from 3-point range over his last three games as the team has kept him in the starting lineup.

The season will have plenty of ups and downs for Beauchamp. He has had quite a journey to this point, so he is more than capable of handling any adversity that comes his way.

Antetokounmpo will be among those there to support him.

“I hope he can stay humble,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m going to try also my best not to talk about him in the media all the time because I know he’s gonna be on Twitter so he is going to go through his feed and see this. MarJon: Stay humble, keep on hooping and playing great.”

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