October 20, 2023. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Required Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard is tired of the Thanasis Antetokounmpo memes.
Milwaukee Bucks star Lillard I was interviewed by Complex Sports this week.. During the interview, Lillard came to the defense of Bucks teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who is often the target of online trolls for his play.
“I see a lot of stuff about TA on social media,” Lillard said. “There may be a lot of players who feel they are more talented and more capable, but they could never take his place. You know, people try to be funny.
Lillard added of Thanasis, “A lot of people on Twitter would bet more money that he can’t beat him in a one-on-one match.” “Defensively, he’s big, strong, athletic, physical. There’s no other guy who cares about the team more, is more proactive, and works harder. Deaf…I have a lot of respect for him. I think if people knew him, they wouldn’t joke around as much.”
Lillard, a first-year running back, will naturally protect his teammates every time. But still, he largely misses the point here. No one disputes that Thanasis is a worse basketball player than Reddit user Snorky McPiglets. But rather, Thanasis remains in the league because his older brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is a two-time NBA MVP and the Bucks’ franchise superstar. This is a valid argument, as Thanasis has averaged 2.5 points per game on 51/14/54 percent shooting over six NBA seasons, and appears to be playing more per 36 minutes than anything else. Dew.
As Lillard attests here, the 31-year-old Thanasis is clearly still acting like an exemplary teammate and top professional. However, his skill set may be better suited for the NBA G League or an overseas team. Even Charles Barkley, who recently made headlines for his savage roast of Thanasis, would probably agree.
