The NBA season is heating up, and so are the headlines surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks and their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Once hailed as a dominant force in the league, Antetokounmpo’s recent behavior on the court has raised eyebrows, especially among former players like Matt Barnes. Known for his outspoken commentary, Barnes didn’t hold back, expressing frustration over what he called Giannis’ “weird” antics and even suggesting his behavior might warrant a slap.
Matt Barnes Takes Aim at Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Behavior
During a recent episode of the All The Smoke podcast, Matt Barnes and fellow former NBA star Trevor Ariza weighed in on the current state of the Bucks, who’ve had a rocky start this season. The team currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a surprising position for a squad led by a two-time MVP. But it wasn’t just the Bucks’ poor performance that caught Barnes’ attention; it was Giannis’ behavior during a game against the Boston Celtics that led him to speak out.
“I’m not saying he intentionally went at Jayson Tatum’s foot, but he’s done it before,” Barnes remarked, referring to a questionable landing foul on the Celtics’ star, Jayson Tatum. “No foul call, Jayson Tatum took offense to it, obviously. Said he needs to be protected, could have been out for a long time. Elbowing Jaylen Brown and then giving him the too fast or too slow [fake handshake] — I’m just saying right now, someone did that to me, that’s an offense for a slap.”
For Barnes, Antetokounmpo’s antics go beyond playful on-court banter. He sees them as a distraction in an already turbulent season for Milwaukee, a team with high expectations but struggling to stay competitive.
Bucks’ Struggles and Giannis’ “Weird” Antics
The Milwaukee Bucks, considered one of the East’s powerhouses in recent years, have stumbled out of the gate. Currently standing at 2-8, they’ve only managed to notch wins against the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz, two teams also grappling with subpar records.
Barnes, a no-nonsense former player known for his grit, expressed that Giannis’ behavior might be a sign of deeper frustrations within the team.
“This weird behavior isn’t very surprising,” Barnes noted on the podcast. “I mean, Giannis has a track record of doing some questionable stuff. If you look back, and obviously, I think the way this team has been playing, it might be driving him a little crazy.”
Milwaukee’s current roster includes several aging players, struggling to keep up with the athleticism and speed of younger teams. This has not only impacted their performance on the scoreboard but may also be taking a toll on Giannis’ approach to the game.
The Greek Freak’s Response to Criticism
Amid the ongoing criticism, Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken a lighthearted stance, choosing to brush off his actions as part of his playful approach to the game. Responding to comments from Celtics’ guard Jaylen Brown, who labeled him a “child” after the fake handshake incident, Giannis remained unfazed.
“We always joke around with the flow of the game,” Giannis explained, per Sports Illustrated. “It’s something that I do to my kids; I play around. This is who I am. I play the game with fun, joy… I’m just gonna continue to be me, and at the end of the day, if I’m called the child, so be it. If I have another opportunity, I’ll do it again.”
While Antetokounmpo may find his antics amusing, they clearly aren’t sitting well with everyone, especially with the Bucks struggling to find their footing.
Can the Bucks Turn It Around?
The Bucks’ roster, spearheaded by Giannis, is in a challenging phase. Despite his two MVPs, the team is showing signs of age, with a noticeable lack of agility compared to younger Eastern Conference teams. Giannis’ frustration may be manifesting in these “weird” behaviors, but for Milwaukee to get back on track, they’ll need more than his antics. They’ll need leadership, consistent scoring, and a cohesive defensive strategy.
The Bucks have a chance to redeem themselves when they face the Celtics again on December 6 at Boston’s TD Garden. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Giannis doubles down on his playful antics or focuses on helping his team secure a much-needed win. Will his playful handshake routine make a comeback, or will we see a more serious side of the Greek Freak?
What’s Next for Giannis and the Bucks?
In the unpredictable world of the NBA, success often hinges on adaptability. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fiery personality has been central to his career, but his current actions are bringing mixed responses from fans, commentators, and fellow players. His playful approach is a refreshing contrast to the intense pressure of the NBA, but for the Bucks to regain their footing, the “Greek Freak” might need to recalibrate his focus.
As Barnes and other former players suggest, there’s a line between spirited competition and behavior that could be perceived as “weird.” For the Bucks to silence their critics, a balanced approach from their star could be key. It remains to be seen if Giannis will reign in his playful spirit or if he’ll keep embracing it, much to the delight — or annoyance — of fans and opponents alike.
With each game bringing fresh controversies and unexpected moments, one thing is clear: the Milwaukee Bucks’ season is anything but boring.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.