Damian Lillard has defended Bucks teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who has been trolled relentlessly for months over his quite frequent lowlights.
Lillard additionally addressed numerous claims of non-NBA gamers saying they might beat Thanasis in a sport of 1-on-1.
“I see a lot of the stuff on social media about TA,” Lillard stated in an interview with Complex. “It’s a variety of guys that, you recognize, may really feel like they had been extra gifted, have extra capability, however they might by no means take his spot. You know, folks attempt to be humorous.
“I would put good money that a lot of people talking on Twitter wouldn’t be able to beat him one-on-one.”
Damian Lillard is telling NBA Twitter (X) to place its cash the place its mouth is in the case of trolling Thanasis Antetokounmpo. 👀
LINK TO OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH DAMIAN LILLARD: https://t.co/Jm7tLvIjxZ pic.twitter.com/g82SJHeQMT
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 21, 2024
Lillard went on to elucidate what makes Thanasis precious to the group.
“Defensively, he’s massive, he’s sturdy, he’s athletic, he’s aggressive, he’s bodily. You’re not going to discover a man that’s extra concerning the group .. He’s at all times within the weight room, he’s at all times on the court docket getting his work in. He’s the highest of the road at his function on our group.
“I have a hard time seeing anybody coming in that could replace him at what he does for our team, and is also always ready to get in the game and do what he has to do. Being somebody that’s behind closed doors with him, I respect him a lot. And you know, I think if people got to know him, they wouldn’t be joking as much.”
The on-line criticism of Thanasis has been particularly pointed because of the perception that he’s solely within the NBA due to his celebrity brother.
Thanasis has been a member of the Bucks for the reason that 2019-20 season, with NBA profession averages of two.5 factors and 1.6 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per sport.
Before becoming a member of Milwaukee, he performed for Greek professional group Panathinaikos.
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