Charles Barkley has built a reputation as a straight talker and has never been afraid to voice his opinion. This comes irrespective of what fans and critics may think about him. As a guest speaker on the Bill Simmons podcast, he recently shared his thoughts about former MVP and Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have both been poor in recent seasons. Moreover, the team doesn’t look like they’re fighting enough to retain their status as the best team in the league. The back-to-back early playoff exit will need to change going forward. The status surrounding the team made Charles Barkley throw a not-so-subtle jab at the newly wedded star.
I think Giannis has to get better as a player. Just going downhill 1 on 5 isn’t going to work. He’s a terrific player and a terrific kid but he’s got to get better as a basketball player. So, no, I’m not a Milwaukee guy.
Charles Barkley said on the Bill Simmons podcast
‘The Round Mound of Rebound’ also asserted that for Giannis to win another title, he needs to adapt his game and improve on both ends of the floor. Despite having a strong roster, the Bucks struggled last season. The team finished with only 49 wins and failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs.
Charles Barkley just came out and said
“Giannis has to get better as a basketball player. Going downhill 1 on 5 isn’t going to work” after he became the first player in NBA HISTORY to average 30 points per game on 60% FG… 🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/l1lLWCfzHl— Follow GiannisArchive (@giannisarchive) September 4, 2024
As usual, Barkley didn’t care about how harshly his message got received as The Greek Freaks knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. With Doc Rivers in charge, the team needs to start off the next season in stellar fashion and must make a deep playoff run to justify a positive turnaround.
Damian Lillard absent as Giannis Antetokounmpo ties the knot
As reported, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his longtime girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger got married in a private and lavish ceremony at the Costa Navarino resort in Greece. Several big names attended, including LeBron James and Serena Williams. However, teammate Damian Lillard was noticeably absent which led to rumors of a beef between both stars.
There are people genuinely upset that Dame went to a wedding for one of his best friends and teammates since 2015 instead of going to Giannis’ wedding 😂
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) September 4, 2024
Fortunately, the rumors were put to bed as it was revealed that Lillard was attending another wedding. He attended the wedding of his former Portland Trail Blazers teammate Moe Harkless, which took place on the same day. Meanwhile, others like Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Wes Matthews attended the wedding, where Middleton served as the best man.
The Greek Freak will likely enjoy his honeymoon with one mind, knowing that the Bucks and their fans need a better season. They begin the season with a tough on-the-road game against the Philadelphia 76ers. As such, with much to prove, Antetokounmpo is raring to go.
