Donald Trump makes uninformed 'Greek' claim about Giannis Antetokounmpo during Milwaukee rally: "We have about the same right?"
Giannis Antetokounmpo's name came up in an unexpected place this week. United States Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump held a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday afternoon and couldn't contain himself from talking basketball. During his rally, Trump mentioned Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks but mistook the two-time MVP's signature nickname.
Trump complimented the Bucks' team, which has been one of the best in the Eastern Conference during Antetokounmpo's time in Milwaukee. However, he made a questionable statement regarding the All-Star forward's lineage.
"(Milwaukee's) team is very good. I would say the Greek is a seriously good player, do you agree? And tell me, who has more Greek in him? The Greek? Or Me? I think we have about the same right?"
It's unclear whether or not Trump was joking, given his background of outlandish remarks. Still, it remains true that the Republican candidate does not have more Greek lineage than Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens, Greece. The comment raised eyebrows online, with some suggesting it had racial undertones.
Trump mistakes Giannis Antetokounmpo's nickname
During his soliloquy, you may have noticed Trump referred to Giannis Antetokounmpo as "The Greek," mistaking his signature "Greek Freak" nickname. Giannis uses his Greek Freak tagline for his signature line with Nike, releasing his signature shoe, the Zoom Freak I, back in August 2019.
What Trump was certainly right about was Giannis' ability. The eight-time NBA All-Star has developed into one of the greatest players in Milwaukee Bucks history, becoming the second player in team history to win the Most Valuable Player award, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Despite strong play from Antetokounmpo to start the 2024-25 season, Milwaukee has gotten out to a 1-4 start through their first five games.
The Bucks have suffered four straight losses after winning their season opener versus the Philadelphia 76ers on October 23. In five games, Giannis has posted 30.4 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will be back in action versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.