SUMMARY
- Thansis Antetokounmpo has received a lot of criticism for his sluggish work on the floor.
- Bucks superstar Damian Lillard claimed he would bet on Thanasis to win against any amateur athlete.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been under severe scrutiny despite making one of the biggest acquisitions in the form of Damian Lillard. They have been playing well enough to secure a safe spot amongst the top teams in the Eastern Conference. However, this doesn’t mean that the Bucks are in full form. From changing head coaches to losing multiple games right after hiring Doc Rivers, things are slowly getting out of control in terms of criticism.
And there is one player who often gets bullied for his appearances on the floor. Thanasis Antetokounmpo may not be the best on the floor unlike his brother Giannis. But there is some value in what he contributes to the team. There are highlight videos of his insanely embarrassing fumbles and tantrums on the court. Fans have made him a laughing stock now, but Lillard believes Thanasis deserves more respect than what people truly show him.
Damian Lillard isn’t scared to bet on Thanasis Antetokounmpo against an amateur
Based on what we’ve seen, not everyone would place their bets on a player like Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Sports betting has become increasingly popular amongst fans, and Damian Lillard doesn’t mind placing his money on his teammate. ClutchPoints recently interviewed Lillard asking him about his feelings on fans throwing dirt on his teammate. It doesn’t seem like the 8x NBA All-Star is happy about it.
F**k it, Thanasis Antetokounmpo highlights 🔥 pic.twitter.com/j8dlAez4lG
— JJJMuse (@JaimeJaquezMuse) February 14, 2024
He said, “I’ve seen a lot of stuff on social media about TA. It’s a lot of guys that might feel like they are more talented, and have more ability but they can never take his spot. You know, people try to be funny. I would put good money that a lot of people talking on Twitter wouldn’t be able to beat him in a game of one-on-one.” In Lillard’s defense, athletes who get an opportunity to play in the NBA are considered some of the best basketball players in the world. Thanasis certainly had a lot of potential.
Damian Lillard claims Thanasis Antetokounmpo is extremely dedicated
In the past, we’ve seen players just like Thanasis trolled by fans on the internet. For example, Brian Scalabrine, a former Boston Celtics player went on to challenge amateur athletes and defeated them. He also made a show on this called The Scallenge.
Damian Lillard also claimed that Thanasis is one of the most dedicated players on the Bucks’ roster. He said, “You’re not going to find a guy that’s more about the team, that shows up and works hard. He’s always in the weight room, he’s always on the court getting his work in. He’s the top, top of the line at his role on our team.” Lillard also added that Antetokounmpo is one of the best defensive pieces on the roster.
“People try to be funny. I would put good money that a lot of people talking on Twitter wouldn’t be able to beat him one-on-one… He’s the top of the line at his role on our team.”
Damian Lillard defends Thanasis Antetokounmpo 🗣️
(via @ComplexSports)pic.twitter.com/czc81NeNuA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2024
“Being somebody that’s behind closed doors with him, like I respect him a lot. And I think if people got to know, they wouldn’t be joking as much,” Lillard concluded. He stated that Thanasis is ever-ready to compete with his team no matter how dire the circumstances get. Hopefully, this puts a better perspective on Thanasis in the minds of fans.