Skip Bayless tears into Giannis Antetokounmpo for 'childish antics' with Jaylen Brown: "Just being a real A**H***"
Veteran NBA analyst Skip Bayless took sharp aim at Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday, calling the Milwaukee Bucks superstar an "a**h***" over his behavior toward Jaylen Brown. Addressing the incident on his podcast, "The Skip Bayless Show", Skip suggested that Giannis' "childish antics" are likely a result of the Bucks' rough start to the season and ongoing struggles to secure wins.
"Giannis was, pardon my language, just being a real a**h***. Losing can do that to you," Skip said.
Skip reacted to an incident during the Bucks' 113-107 loss to the Boston Celtics at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on Sunday. After accidentally elbowing Brown, Giannis extended his hand as if to make peace, only to pull it back and run it through his hair just as Brown went to shake it.
Skip labeled Giannis' gesture as immature, aligning with Brown, who later referred to the Bucks' star as a "child" when discussing the moment after the game.
"The classic ‘sike' ploy that kids do to each other. 'Sike!' That's why Jaylen Brown after the game called Giannis a child. That move was definitely childish," the veteran analyst added.
When asked about Giannis' actions during the game, the reigning NBA Finals MVP Brown offered an unfiltered response.
"Giannis is a child. I'm just focused on helping my team get a win," Brown said. "And that's what we did tonight."
Skip Bayless on Giannis' response to Brown calling him a "child"
Giannis Antetokounmpo responded to Jaylen Brown's comment, affirming that his behavior during the game was a true reflection of who he is as a person.
"Oh, that’s what he said? Dang," Giannis said. "He said that I was a child? I thought I gave him a compliment and he was just going at me. But at the same time, this is who I am. I play the game with fun, joy."
Skip Bayless shared his thoughts on Antetokounmpo's response, stating frankly that the Bucks star doesn’t appear to be enjoying the game right now, especially with his team struggling at a 3-8 record, despite a 99-85 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
"Giannis said, ‘Well that's something he would do with his kids.' Yet that was the point. He wasn't playing around with his kids," Skip continued. "He had just thrown a dangerous elbow into Jaylen Brown's face.
"Giannis argued he just tries to play the game with joy and fun. But the point is, Giannis is no longer having fun because the Bucks are 2-8. And his fake handshake was completely out of character because it was a jerk move. He was just trying to make light of something that you can't make light of. Because this season is crumbling for Giannis."
Despite the Bucks' struggles as a team, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still delivering MVP-caliber performances. The two-time league MVP is currently averaging 30.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.