Former Utah Jazz forward marvels at Giannis Antetokounmpo’s work ethic - “When it’s time to lift…he’s like super locked in”
Former Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles had a lot of praise for his current teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking with Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Ingles shed light on Antetokounmpo's tremendous work ethic.
Ingles made a name for himself as a savvy sharpshooting veteran with the Utah Jazz. However, he found himself moving from Utah in the West to Milwaukee in the East this season.
Joining the Bucks meant that Ingles would share the floor with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and the former Jazz forward had nothing but praise for him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is known as one of the hardest-working players in the NBA. By taking a look at his awesome physical development since his rookie season, it is evident that the "Greek Freak" is an earned moniker.
Ingles shed light on this aspect while speaking to Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine recently. The Bucks forward was speaking about Giannis' ability to "lock in" on demand. He said:
"Obviously being in the West, you see Giannis once or twice a year. You see that competitiveness and how hard he plays. He looks so serious on the court all the time and then you get him off the court and he's like this goofy, dad-joke type. Always having fun, always joking around."
He added:
"But when it's time to lift or it's time to shootaround or whatever it is, he's like so switched in. It's like he's super locked in. From a rookie, how he was, you can see it from his body to his game to all that. He's won an MVP and a championship now. Just that. Just the layer I guess to being so competitive in everything he does."
When forward Joe Ingles joined Frank Isola & Brian Scalabrine he discussed when it's time to lock in, not many are better than Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Ingles still joked about Giannis' body transformation and how no amount of sheer hard work would be enough to achieve that. Antetokounmpo truly is a special type of talent in this sense.
Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo shares insight on his career goals: “I can play prime basketball until I'm 35"
Unfortunately, for the Bucks, Antetokounmpo has been relatively unavailable as of late. With repeated injuries plaguing the superstar, Giannis continues to remain out of action.
Giannis Antetokounmpo misses third consecutive game
The Milwaukee Bucks have been significantly shorthanded in the superstar department as Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out his third straight game. Although Milwaukee has managed to stay afloat for the most part even in his absence, the Bucks will remain concerned for the future.
Antetokounmpo has reportedly been sidelined due to hand soreness. Considering that this could be the same injury that was affecting the star during his All-Star game appearance as well, the Bucks will be careful with monitoring the situation.
Giannis' average of 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game is top-tier in every sense. Making up for that kind of absence is a tall task.
Bucks guard Jrue Holiday has done a tremendous job as a supporting star for the team. Meanwhile, the Bucks' depth has also been put on full display as the entire roster has stepped up.
Before Bucks-Sixers tonight in Milwaukee, look back on the best plays from Jrue Holiday’s time with the Sixers!
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Although Milwaukee faced a tough loss on the road against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, they will hope to recover with a win soon. Playing the Sacramento Kings on the road next, the Bucks will hope to return to winning form, while also hoping for Giannis' imminent return.