Giannis Antetokounmpo told Bron, Melo and KD what they could do with their invitation to work out together during the offseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo AKA “The Greek Freak” has futuristic athleticism, leaping ability and a knack for getting to the hole. His entire package — as evolutionary as it is because of his size — is also as throwback as it gets. Giannis doesn’t shoot threes and he’s not a fan of “Buddy Ball.”
Despite his lack of outside shooting, Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 26.8 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks as an MVP favorite.
That’s as throwback as it gets.
Generation X’ers love him because his game is old school. He accumulates two’s by driving to the hole and would rather give an opponent a facial than a fadeaway.
Antetokounmpo is very popular among the millenials, but after it was reported that he passed on an invitation to work out with LeBron James, Melo and Kevin Durant in the offseason, he’s probably your dad’s favorite player now as well.
According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm The Greek Freak said:
“I can’t work out with you in the summer and then play you in a few months,” Antetokounmpo said. “It feels weird. It doesn’t feel right with me. Like other players, it’s cool for other players, but I don’t. I don’t want to. Other guys do it.”
In an age where the superstars plot and plan to join forces and upset the balance of the NBA, he’s happy being the lone superstar on a burgeoning Milwaukee Bucks team. He doesn’t want to become close friends and laugh it up with opponents who are trying to eat his food in an arena full of people.
No New Friends
Antetokounmpo is keeping that vintage NBA edge. His attitude is reminiscent of players of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s who had genuine beefs that enhanced the drama on the court.
https://youtu.be/sNXbKow90M4
Sure, players hung out with the opposition and had friendships, but it wasn’t par for the course.
Rivalries drive the NBA and when the best players are all on the same team, it cheapens the true definition of competition and lessens the drama. Glad to see at least one superstar is committed to getting his the old fashioned way — no bandwagon jumping, or pleasantries with the enemy. Just drawing a line in the sand and letting the chips fall where they may.
