Giannis Antetokounmpo attempts to justify his "greatness" with bold claim about Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Co.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks complimented himself in a new video, comparing his greatness to other legendary NBA players. Antetokounmpo boasted about "The Wall" used by teams against him, which was never seen before in the league.
Speaking in an interview with Complex, Antetokounmpo read a comment from a fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, which said he was born in time to see "The Greek Freak." The Bucks superstar liked the remarks and went on to explain, albeit lightheartedly, why he's among the greats, mentioning other legends such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
"You're witnessing greatness," Antetokounmpo said. "As much as people hate on me and they take me for granted, (I'm) one of the most efficient players in the league ever. Can't guard me, one-on-one. I've never seen a player that other teams create defense for him ever.
The two-time MVP added:
"Shaq played his game, Kobe played his game, Jordan played his game, KD played his game, LeBron played his game, only one player made the other team create walls for him and it's Giannis Antetokounmpo. So yes, you are witnessing greatness. Thank you so much.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the league in the past decade, winning two NBA MVPs in 2019 and 2020.
For those unaware, "The Wall" was a defensive scheme used by teams to guard Antetokounmpo. It's usually formed near the free throw line, which prevents "The Greek Freak" from barreling down his opponents. It's usually comprised of three players doing their best to stop him, or at least make things challenging for him.
Antetokounmpo already found success in breaking "The Wall" by improving his passing. It also helped that he had better teammates in the past few years who can knock down open shots and make defenses think about building it or not.
Giannis Antetokounmpo sees 'The Wall' as a compliment, hates it at the same time
Speaking to EuroHoops in July 2021 following Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged that teams building a wall is a compliment to his game. However, "The Greek Freak" said he also hated it at the same time.
"You have to take it as a compliment," Antetokounmpo said. "You always have to find the fun factor in everything. ... It is a compliment that there's got to be three people in front stopping me from getting in the paint and building that wall. But, yeah, I hate it, though (laughter). I'm not going to lie, I hate it, but at the end of the day, you got to figure out a way to play through it."
Antetokounmpo is fresh off guiding Greece in the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading them to the quarterfinals. Leading the Bucks to another championship following a disappointing end to their postseason in the past two years will definitely be on his mind ahead of the new season.