There are two ways to view the new documentary “Giannis: The Marvelous Journey,” which tells the story of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek-Nigerian basketball player who came from nothing to become one of the greatest players in the NBA. One could see it as the story of a young man overcoming the unjust trials placed on nonwhite immigrants in the West. However, another (more accurate) way to see it is as the story of an incredibly lucky young man who was wise enough to make the most of his opportunities and value his family.
Giannis’ story begins with his parents looking to leave Nigeria because of the lack of job prospects as well as the poisoned water supply. They eventually decide to live in Greece. While the parents are both working hard to put food on the table, the four brothers including Giannis grow up in an apparently hostile environment that treats them like outsiders.
Of all the segments of the documentary, this first one prompts the most questions. How exactly did the Antetokounmpos make it to Greece? Were they documented and legal residents? What jobs did Giannis’ parents do? Did the boys attend school? If they were so poor, how did their father buy them a special edition PlayStation 2? If Greeks were so xenophobic and racist, how did the family not get deported or become victims of persecution?
Instead of answering these questions, much of the commentary focuses its attention on a particular nationalist anti-immigration party in Greece, the
