Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar and two-time NBA MVP, is often celebrated for his rags-to-riches story, infectious enthusiasm, and seemingly humble demeanor. From his early days as a lanky prospect from Greece to becoming one of the league’s dominant forces, Giannis has built a reputation as a hardworking, team-first player. However, like many elite athletes, he has had his share of controversial outbursts and behaviors that some fans and analysts label as “diva-like.” These moments often stem from high-stakes frustration, perceived slights, or intense competitiveness, but they’ve sparked debates about whether success has brought out a more demanding side. I
1. The Ladder Incident and Altercation with Montrezl Harrell (November 2022)
One of the earliest and most bizarre examples of Giannis’ temper flaring came after a tough loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Frustrated by his poor free-throw shooting (4-of-15 in the game), Giannis stayed on the court postgame to practice. Things escalated when 76ers forward Montrezl Harrell, who was also shooting, took Giannis’ basketball and refused to return it, leading to a heated verbal exchange. Harrell reportedly yelled, “Yeah I took the ball, get the f— outta here,” while Giannis shouted back about doing his job.
The drama didn’t end there. As arena workers placed a ladder under the basket for maintenance, Giannis—still determined to shoot—pushed it away twice, the second time with enough force to knock it over, sending it skidding across the floor. Video footage captured the moment, showing Giannis arguing with a worker before the ladder toppled. Giannis later explained he meant no disrespect and didn’t intend for the ladder to fall, but the incident drew widespread criticism for endangering staff and appearing petulant. Critics called it a classic diva move: prioritizing personal practice over safety and common courtesy in a shared arena.
2. The Game Ball Controversy with the Indiana Pacers (December 2023)
Giannis made headlines again during a regular-season game against the Pacers, where he dropped a career-high 64 points in a Bucks victory. Postgame, he believed the Pacers had taken the official game ball as a trophy for rookie Oscar Tshiebwe’s first NBA points, denying him a memento of his milestone. Enraged, Giannis charged into the Pacers’ tunnel, yelling and demanding the ball back. The confrontation spilled over, with Giannis later admitting uncertainty about whether the ball he received was authentic.
In his postgame presser, Giannis explained the outburst as frustration over what he saw as disrespect, but Pacers players like Tyrese Haliburton clarified they hadn’t taken it intentionally. The incident painted Giannis as overly dramatic, with some fans accusing him of stat-padding by staying in against backups and then throwing a tantrum over a ball. It fueled discussions about his “diva mode,” especially as videos showed him pushing Haliburton and screaming in the aftermath.
3. Influencing the Firing of Coach Adrian Griffin
Midway through the 2023-24 season, the Bucks shocked the league by firing first-year head coach Adrian Griffin despite a strong 30-13 record. Reports emerged of locker room tensions, including Giannis’ dissatisfaction with defensive schemes and overall team direction. While Giannis publicly denied involvement, stating the decision “caught me by surprise” and that he “loved the guy,” insiders suggested his influence as the franchise cornerstone played a role. Griffin’s dismissal came amid reports of Giannis overriding play calls and refusing to sub out.
Analysts viewed this as diva behavior: a superstar wielding power to reshape the team around his preferences, even if it meant instability. Giannis trusted the front office but deflected blame, saying, “I get paid to block shots, not fire coaches.” This wasn’t the first coach change linked to him—some trace it back to Mike Budenholzer’s exit after the 2023 playoffs.
4. The Fake Handshake and Elbow on Jaylen Brown (November 2024)
During a matchup with the Boston Celtics, Giannis elbowed Jaylen Brown in the face early in the second quarter, earning an offensive foul. Later, as Brown approached for a handshake during a stoppage, Giannis extended his hand only to pull it back and run it through his hair in a mocking gesture. Brown called him “a child” postgame, criticizing the lack of sportsmanship.
Giannis downplayed it as playful, but the moment went viral, with former player Matt Barnes questioning his “weird behavior” on podcasts. Combined with the elbow, it reinforced perceptions of Giannis as someone who dishes out physicality but reacts poorly to pushback. Fans debated if this was harmless fun or diva entitlement.
5. Slapping a Teammate During Greece National Team Huddle (August 2025)
Most recently, during a friendly game prep for Greece against Montenegro, Giannis was caught on video delivering a forceful slap to teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis’ head in a team huddle. While some defended it as playful roughhousing, the clip went viral, with fans calling for suspension and labeling Giannis a “violent freak.” Larentzakis downplayed it, but the optics were poor, especially given Giannis’ leadership role.
This incident reignited diva accusations, suggesting Giannis sometimes oversteps boundaries in frustration or jest.
Other Notable Outbursts and Patterns
Beyond these headline-grabbers, Giannis has shown patterns of diva-like behavior. He’s been accused of leaving the court early after losses, overriding coaches, and demanding his brother Thanasis on the roster despite criticism. In 2023, he snapped at a reporter over a “failure” question, and podcasts have dissected his “activated diva mode.” He’s also been involved in on-court antics, like hyping up crowds or taunting opponents, which some see as arrogant.
The Human Side of a Superstar
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “diva” moments don’t define his career—yet. For now they’re outliers in a story of triumph and dedication. Many stem from his ultra-competitive nature and the pressure of carrying a franchise. However, as his stardom grows, these incidents highlight the fine line between passion and petulance. Whether it’s knocking over ladders or slapping teammates, Giannis reminds us that even the most likable stars have their breaking points. Bucks fans hope these are learning experiences, as the Greek Freak chases more rings. But I see more and more people will see through his act.
