The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing season after many considered them championship contenders at the start of the season. The Bucks made one of the biggest trades last off-season when they acquired Damian Lillard. Many believed that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard would bring another championship to the team, but they ultimately fell short. Recently, NBA legend Charles Barkley shared his thoughts on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
In a guest appearance on the Bill Simmons podcast, Charles Barkley fired back at Giannis Antetokounmpo. He mentioned how the Greek Freak needs to adapt to the game and needs to get better on both ends of the floor in order to win a championship. Barkley was tired of seeing the 29-year-old star playing 1v5 basketball instead of a team-oriented game.
I’m not interested in Milwaukee at all.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 via Bill Simmons Podcast
On paper, the Bucks are one of the strongest teams in the league. With both Antetokounmpo and Lillard in the lineup, the Bucks certainly become the strongest offensive team. They also have Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez who could the load besides its top star.
The Bucks ended the last season as the third seed. But in the playoffs, injuries took their toll and the Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers.
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
The Greek Freak is unstoppable in the post. In the last season, it was seen that Antetokounmpo had improved his shooting skills. With a refined shooting touch, he is poised to become one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA. Currently, the Greek is averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. But to win the championship, Antetokounmpo will have to put in some more work on his game and will need to stay healthy by the time the next playoffs come up.
Charles Barkley praised the Oklahoma City Thunder for a great offseason
The Oklahoma City Thunder has one of the best young cores in the NBA today. The Thunder made one of the biggest leaps in the last season and ended as the first seed in the Western Conference. This offseason, the Thunder made some big changes by adding big names like Alex Caruso and Isiah Hartenstein.
In a recent interview with Bill Simmons, Barkley discussed the Thunder and its successful offseason moves. Barkley praised Sam Presti, the team’s General Manager, for the moves he made. The NBA legend believes that the team has now become a serious title contender for the upcoming season.
Caruso will bring a defensive presence to the team and excel in playing elite small-ball defense against opponents. Additionally, Hartenstein will be a great addition as a big man for the team, alongside Chet Holmgren, as he will easily grab rebounds and defend the paint.
OKC had a great summer because Caruso and Hartenstein? Man. They had a great summer. … They got two guys, two role players who are probably like, that’s what you want when you have stars. You want guys who gonna do the dirty work.
Charles Barkley added
They have one of the best well-rounded rosters, surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is the point general of the team and is one of the best scorers at his position highlighted by him finishing in the runner-up of the MVP race in the last season. In the last season, the Thunder were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks led by Luka Doncic. But this upcoming season the Thunder will come fully prepared and with championship hopes.
