Giannis berates ESPN reporter for calling him an ‘underachiever’
In mid‑June, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ignited widespread backlash when he labelled Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo an “underachiever” if he failed to secure another NBA title.
Smith argued that a player of Giannis’s calibre, “one of the greatest players to ever live”, with multiple MVPs and consistent top‑ten MVP finishes, still lacked postseason depth.
The critique drew sharp rebuke, most notably from former NBA guard Jay Williams, who called Smith’s characterisation “one of your worst takes…I think we need to do a better job of reframing some of these conversations”.
Fans and analysts piled on, noting Antetokounmpo’s Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year honours, nine All-Star and All-NBA selections, plus his role in ending Milwaukee’s 50‑year championship drought.
Fast forward to today, and Antetokounmpo returned fire, this time on Instagram. The two-time NBA MVP shared a snapshot of his trophies on his story.
Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists during last season. He played exceptionally well during the postseason but missed out on another NBA Final due to weaknesses in the team.
His eagerness to win another trophy kicked off rumours of him leaving the franchise for a better playoff chance, but Antetokounmpo has denied so. He wants to stay in Milwaukee.
Bucks are planning to build around him this season. With Damian Lillard sidelined by injury and Brooke Lopez being heavily linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Doc Rivers needs to step up and fill the gaps in the roster to stay in contention this season.
