Training camp hasn't even started, and the Milwaukee Bucks already find themselves with critics. NBA legend Charles Barkley recently spoke to Bill Simmons on his podcast and had this to say about superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
"It's about elevating [Giannis] and Damian Lillard to be that superstar duo that [the Bucks] traded for." 😤 @ramonashelburne reacts to Charles Barkley's comments about Giannis Antetokounmpo 👀 pic.twitter.com/FPKLhzGFqr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 6, 2024
Barkley's criticism of Giannis echoes what rival fans and other critics have said on social media about him. Many see him as one-dimensional offensively, with him using his size, strength, and athleticism to bully his way to greatness. Even if that is true, Giannis has posted incredible numbers over the last five seasons, averaging 29 points on 56.4% shooting. That is with Giannis going "1 on 5".
Charles Barkley is wrong about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there is some truth to his criticism.
Giannis' offensive numbers are comparable, even favorable to Shaquille O'Neal's numbers during his prime, with many considering him to be one of the most dominant players in NBA history. Shaq received similar criticism during his career, with many accusing him of simply being bigger and stronger than everyone else, despite him playing in an era that featured plenty of other big players.
Shaq was far more skilled than he got credit for with a devastating turnaround jump hook that he could use to punish opposing teams that kept him from getting easy dunks. It's possible that Giannis is receiving the same type of criticism that Shaq got while also ignoring the skill involved in his game.
Although Barkley's criticisms of Giannis are unfair, Giannis will turn 30 during the 2024-25 season and could use a jumper to help him as he ages. Giannis is dominant now but when his physical tools begin to slip, he could benefit from having to drive less. To his credit, he has worked to add a jumper over the summer.
Getting comfortable shooting that in the NBA may take time but teams will probably be willing to leave him open until he proves he can hit that. Even without it, few players can say that they have had a run as strong as Giannis', which negates Barkley's criticisms. It's true that he can stand to add another skill and he has worked on that but he is more than a one-trick pony and the Bucks should be better than expected.