"Because of Adebayo, I had to sleep 12 hours, and now..." Giannis Introduced in Miami, "34" Retired

"I've always held a deep respect for the Miami Heat organization. You constantly hear those legendary stories about the famous 'franchise culture' and everything surrounding it. That's why I've always been curious about what truly makes them so different and special. Ultimately, the decision was quite easy. I'm ready for intense work. I feel that at this stage of my career, pressure is essential, as it's the only way to take a step forward. I had to step out of my comfort zone, and I knew Miami was the perfect destination for that."

"The era dominated by the 'Big Three' – LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh – is still deeply etched in my memory. I literally grew up watching them. I know well the tension and expectations they played under, and that's precisely the level of pressure I'm seeking for myself. I love such challenges. I want to win titles with this club. And not just one, but multiple. I feel this is where I need to be to achieve that goal. Everything is still quite fresh for me; I'm still processing the impressions from yesterday's arrival."

"I usually aim for eight hours of sleep before every game. However, when I knew I had to face Bam Adebayo, I needed at least 12 hours of sleep. That tells you enough about the kind of player he is. Everything we plan to achieve starts with the two of us. If we want to reach our goal, we'll have to establish absolute defensive dominance."

"That number defined my career and meant a lot to the people in Milwaukee. I believe it's only fair for number 34 to remain there, with that city, so we can respectfully close a beautiful chapter filled with unforgettable moments. Now, I'm starting from scratch. Besides, the math is clear – when you add three and four, you get seven. Also, my mother was born on the seventh day of the month, and the number itself looks great on the jersey. I like it."