Giannis Antetokounmpo got emotional talking about his late dad during NBA MVP speech

Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo capped off an incredible year by being named MVP of the 2018-19 NBA season during the league’s award show on Monday night.

The 24-year-old center, who was taken with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, edged out James Harden and Paul George to win his first MVP award of his brief career.

Antetokounmpo carried the Bucks to the best record in the Eastern Conference and while they came up short in the conference finals he had a monster year and is going to be a star for years to come.

He got emotional during his speech while speaking about his later father and how he plays every day for his dad:

Giannis got emotional as he paid tribute to his family while accepting the #KiaMVP trophy. 🙏#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/T8p5XH73cZ

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 25, 2019

NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, fighting through tears, channels his father, Charles, who passed away in 2017: "As my dad told me, always want more, but never be greedy. My goal is to win a championship and we're going to do whatever we can to make that happen."

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 25, 2019

Twitter was very happy for him:

2 years ago, @kobebryant challenged @Giannis_An34 to win MVP.

Giannis just did it.#MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/kGPhq5O67m

— KENNat be Borrow One (@KENNdyMann) June 25, 2019

@Giannis_An34 MVP from nothing to GREATNESS #inspirational 🙌🏿🙌🏿✊🏿Rags to riches

— Mr.Marcelin (@marcelin_mr) June 25, 2019

I just cried my eyes out I don’t even care, I love you @Giannis_An34 #MVP

— Keith Henschel Jr (@TheRealKeithJr) June 25, 2019

Damn Giannis about to make me cry…

— Jackson Didlake (@diidlake) June 25, 2019

Congrats Giannis!!! Yes he made me cry!!! https://t.co/27xaorgE70

— Nicole Woods (@CoachNWoods) June 25, 2019

I love this speech ! Very humble guy. Congrats @Giannis_An34 pic.twitter.com/s4mrHJXVbz

— Famouslos32 (@famouslos32) June 25, 2019

WHEN GIANNIS CRIES WE ALL CRY pic.twitter.com/4W1XDiJJNX

— Jacob ✘ (@JShoMKE) June 25, 2019

It’s the season of the MVP in MKE. #ThisIsMyCrew | #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/rQanDhLNea

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 25, 2019

From undiscovered gem to NBA MVP. What a journey its been for Giannis 👏 pic.twitter.com/GIYg8jcPat

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 25, 2019

CONGRATS @Giannis_An34!!!

MVP! MVP! MVP! pic.twitter.com/sAQxFV29Kc

— #RingerNBA (@ringernba) June 25, 2019