Damian Lillard has defended Bucks teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who has been trolled relentlessly for months over his reasonably frequent lowlights.
Lillard additionally addressed numerous claims of non-NBA gamers saying they may beat Thanasis in a sport of 1-on-1.
“I see quite a lot of the stuff on social media about TA,” Lillard stated in an interview with Advanced. “It’s quite a lot of guys that, you understand, may really feel like they had been extra proficient, have extra potential, however they may by no means take his spot. You recognize, individuals attempt to be humorous.
“I’d put good cash that lots of people speaking on Twitter wouldn’t have the ability 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
— Advanced Sports activities (@ComplexSports) February 21, 2024
Lillard went on to clarify what makes Thanasis precious to the staff.
“Defensively, he’s huge, 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 staff .. He’s at all times within the weight room, he’s at all times on the courtroom getting his work in. He’s the highest of the road at his position on our staff.
“I’ve a tough time seeing anyone coming in that might change him at what he does for our staff, and can be at all times able to get within the sport and do what he has to do. Being someone that’s behind closed doorways with him, I respect him so much. And you understand, I feel if individuals bought to know him, they wouldn’t be joking as a lot.”
The web criticism of Thanasis has been particularly pointed as a result of 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.
Earlier than becoming a member of Milwaukee, he performed for Greek professional staff Panathinaikos.
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