Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has paid Matthew Dellavedova a stunning compliment, describing the Australian point guard as the best teammate he has played with in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo also showered praise on the skills, work ethic and size possessed by the Bucks' other Australian, 216cm tall teenager Thon Maker.
The Bucks, led by Antetokounmpo who just signed a four-year $US100 million ($A133m) contract extension with the team, are hoping to end 14 years of mediocrity this season and become a force in the NBA's Eastern Conference.
"Matthew is the best teammate I have ever played with in these four years," 21-year-old Greece-born Antetokounmpo, playing his fourth NBA season, told reporters in a conference call on Monday.
The 211cm nicknamed the Greek Freak has quickly built a formidable chemistry with Dellavedova, bamboozling defences with pick and rolls.
Dellavedova had a similar rapport in recent seasons with LeBron James on the NBA championship-winning Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bucks signed Dellavedova in the off-season on a four-year $US38.5 million ($A51m) deal.
"Everything he does he wants to get it right," Antetokounmpo said of Dellavedova.
Antetokounmpo says he sees a lot of himself in 19-year-old rookie Maker, with both players possessing the height of centres and the skills of guards.
"I try to help Thon a lot off the court and on the court," Antetokounmpo said.
"He asked 'What did you do when you came into the league?
"I told him you have to spend as much time as you can in the gym because the way you are built and your skill set is unbelievable.
"I think he's going to be a great player and his mindset right now is unbelievable because he is always in the gym.
"He has great work ethic so for him I think the sky is the limit."
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