During the regular season a myth developed that Giannis had somehow started shooting mid range. It was completely inaccurate and I have debunked it with multiple posts. The summary is that he regressed to his usual terrible form and it was only during a stretch of easy games that he shot well from two very specific spots on the floor. As soon as a team stepped up their defence he lost it. Completely.
The Bucks lost to every single top ranked team in the East even during the regular season. In those games Giannis had no mid range. He is a two trick pony and that’s what he turns to quite predictably.
On the left as per the official statistics from nba.com the distances
considered “mid range” broken down for the playoffs. And remember, Giannis only had one series in the first round so if anything, his statistics should look much better than players that played more games further along as the playoffs got more difficult.
5-9feet? Nope. Giannis nowhere to be found. 10-14 ft? Of course not. And what about that one distance he had any success in the easier games in the regular season? 15-19ft. Surely, Giannis must have shot at least something from that distance?
Not even that. When under pressure Giannis can only do one thing. Go to the rim. And it doesn’t really work when he doesn’t get a foul and/or he then missed the free throws.
And of course the closer we get to the 3point line, the worse Giannis is. So no, Giannis has no mid range. Not when it counts. If anything he is getting worse at 3point percentage (worse ever almost in a single season) and free throws.
Whispers persist about whether Giannis would ever leave the Bucks for a new challenge. While some argue he’d thrive elsewhere, there’s a compelling case that Giannis might be hesitant to depart Milwaukee—not due to a lack of ambition, but because staying put shields him from intense scrutiny, hides his weaknesses, and provides a comfortable narrative for his playoff shortcomings. Sure, he will try and sell it as “loyalty” but think about it. He hasn’t got a chance in a million to win another ring with the Bucks. They have spend so long pampering his every whim, changing coaches and players as per his demands that they have absolutely nothing left to trade. If he really wants a ring he should go. But he won’t.
The Comfort of Milwaukee’s System
The Bucks have built their entire system around Giannis’s unique skill set. Coach Mike Budenholzer (and now Doc Rivers) designed offences that maximise his ability to attack the rim, leveraging his length, speed, and power. Milwaukee surrounded him with shooters like Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Damian Lillard to space the floor, allowing Giannis to operate in the paint or as a playmaker in transition. This tailored environment masks some of his limitations, particularly his inconsistent outside shooting and free-throw struggles. The Bucks again were top of the NBA in 3pt% as a team despite Giannis shooting worse than ever in his career and close to the worse of any NBA player ever in a single season.
On a new team, Giannis will not have the same luxury. A franchise like the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers, for example, might demand more versatility in half-court offence or a greater reliance on perimeter skills. If Giannis joined a team with a less complementary roster, his 30.8% career three-point shooting (as of the 2024-25 season) and 68.5% free-throw percentage could become glaring liabilities. In Milwaukee, these weaknesses are mitigated by a system that doesn’t require him to be a sharpshooter. Elsewhere, they’d be magnified, potentially exposing him as a one-dimensional star in critical moments.
The Excuse of the Supporting Cast
In Milwaukee, Giannis has a built-in narrative for playoff disappointments: the roster around him isn’t good enough. This is a complete lie as I broke down in this blog post. When the Bucks fell to the Miami Heat in the 2020 playoffs or struggled against the Boston Celtics in 2022, analysts and fans often pointed to Khris Middleton’s injuries, Jrue Holiday’s inconsistency, or a lack of depth. This narrative allows Giannis to deflect criticism, maintaining his status as a transcendent talent held back by circumstances.
If Giannis moved to a superteam the excuses would vanish. A new team with high-calibre talent would place the spotlight squarely on Giannis’s performance. If he failed to deliver in the playoffs, the blame would shift from the roster to his own limitations, such as his struggles in clutch situations or his predictable offensive approach against elite defences. The pressure to perform without the safety net of “it’s the team’s fault” could be daunting, especially for a player who thrives on being the underdog. Giannis already looks like a fool for talking about not joining a superteam only to get Dame next to him.
Playoff Pressure and the Fear of Failure
Giannis’s playoff resume is a mixed bag. His 2021 championship was a triumph, but it was mainly luck and not really due to Giannis when you break it down. Other years have been less kind: the Bucks’ early exits in 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in Giannis’s game, particularly against teams that build a “wall” to clog the paint. Opponents like the Raptors (2019) and Heat (2020) exploited his lack of a reliable jump shot, daring him to shoot while shutting down his drives.
On a new team, Giannis would face even greater playoff scrutiny. In Milwaukee, he’s the hometown hero, forgiven for setbacks because of his loyalty and the Bucks’ small-market status. In a bigger market or on a contending roster, every playoff game would be a referendum on his greatness. A failure to advance deep into the postseason could cement a narrative that Giannis can’t lead a team to a title without the perfect supporting cast, tarnishing his legacy. The risk of such failure might make him wary of leaving the familiarity of Milwaukee, where expectations, while high, are tempered by the city’s underdog mentality.
The Burden of Improvement
Giannis’ shooting remains a work in progress and he is running out of excuses. In Milwaukee, his reluctance to develop a consistent mid-range or three-point shot is often excused as a byproduct of his dominance in other areas. Fans and analysts argue, “Why change what works?” But on a new team, especially one with a different offensive philosophy, Giannis would face unrelenting pressure to evolve.
For example, joining a team like the Golden State Warriors, where spacing and shooting are paramount, would force Giannis to confront his weaknesses head-on. Without the Bucks’ system to lean on, he’d need to become a more complete offensive player, a challenge he’s been slow to embrace. The fear of being exposed as stagnant—or worse, incapable of adapting—could deter him from taking the leap to a new environment where his growth would be non-negotiable. People talk about him going to the Warriors but his inability to set up screens is only one of many weaknesses which make that completely ridiculous.
The Loyalty Factor and Public Perception
Giannis’s loyalty to Milwaukee is a cornerstone of his public image. He signed a supermax extension in 2020, cementing his status as a rare superstar who stayed with a small-market team. This decision endeared him to fans and shielded him from the criticism often levelled at players who chase rings elsewhere, like LeBron James or Kevin Durant. Leaving Milwaukee could fracture this narrative, painting him as just another star chasing glory rather than building a legacy.
Moreover, a move to a bigger market or a super team could invite comparisons to other superstars, where Giannis’s weaknesses might stand out more starkly. In Milwaukee, he’s the undisputed alpha, free from the shadow of a co-star who might outshine him. On a team with another MVP-calibre player, he’d risk being seen as the “second option,” a label that could bruise his ego and alter how his career is perceived. Superstars avoid Giannis for various reasons I list here.
The Psychological Weight of Change
Beyond basketball, leaving Milwaukee would mean uprooting a life Giannis has built over a decade. He’s spoken openly about his love for the city, his teammates, and the organisation that believed in him as a scrawny teenager from Greece. The emotional and psychological toll of adapting to a new city, fan base, and team culture could weigh heavily, especially for a player who values stability. The fear of failing to mesh with a new team—both on and off the court—might make staying in Milwaukee the safer choice.
Other Risks of Leaving
Media Scrutiny in a Bigger Market: Milwaukee’s relatively small media market offers Giannis a buffer from the intense scrutiny of cities like New York or Los Angeles. A move to a high-profile team would invite relentless analysis of his every move, from his shot selection to his body language.
Fan Backlash: Bucks fans have embraced Giannis as one of their own. Leaving could alienate a loyal fanbase, creating pressure to justify his decision with immediate success. The emotional toll of being booed in Milwaukee during return games could be a deterrent.
Team Chemistry Risks: Giannis’s game relies on trust and chemistry with teammates who understand his style. A new team might struggle to integrate his ball-dominant, paint-focused approach, leading to friction or underperformance.
Legacy Concerns: Giannis has a chance to be Milwaukee’s greatest player ever, a legend who brought a title to a city starved for success. Leaving risks diluting that legacy, especially if he fails to match or exceed his Bucks achievements elsewhere. We know he likes stat padding, well now he can smash every franchise record and pretend he is doing it to be loyal.
Giannis is too chicken to move
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fear of leaving the Milwaukee Bucks is about the risks of stepping out of a perfectly crafted comfort zone. In Milwaukee, his weaknesses are mitigated, his playoff failures are cushioned by roster excuses, and his loyalty shields him from harsh criticism. A move to a new team would strip away these protections, exposing him to scrutiny, demanding growth in areas he’s yet to master, and risking his carefully built legacy. It looks as if Giannis doesn’t have the skill set to succeed anywhere and he knows it. The fear of failure, magnified by a new environment, will probably keep him rooted in Milwaukee for years to come. As he showed this season, he is quite happy stat padding and making the rest of his team look bad.
Giannis is renowned for his relentless work ethic, often sharing stories of his grind from a young immigrant in Greece to NBA stardom. He’s frequently praised for his dedication to improvement, whether it’s refining his jump shot or bulking up physically. However, critics have pointed to moments that seem to contradict this narrative.
In 2023, reports surfaced from Bucks practices where Giannis was described as occasionally disengaged or skipping drills, particularly during the regular season. Former teammate Jae Crowder, in a subtle comment during a podcast, alluded to Giannis “picking his spots” in practice, implying he didn’t always match the intensity he publicly champions. While this could be strategic load management for a grueling 82-game season, it contrasts with Giannis’s public mantra of “working harder than everyone else.” Critics argue that if he’s vocal about outworking opponents, any perceived lack of effort, even in practice, undermines that claim.
2. Humility vs. Public Boasts
Giannis often portrays himself as grounded, crediting his family and upbringing for keeping him humble. He’s avoided the flashy persona of some NBA stars, endearing him to fans. Yet, there have been moments where his comments veer into self-aggrandisement, which some see as clashing with his humble image.
A notable instance came during the 2021 NBA Finals post-game press conference after the Bucks’ championship win. Giannis remarked, “I didn’t take the easy way. I didn’t join a superteam,” a clear jab at players like Kevin Durant or LeBron James, who formed high-profile team-ups. While factually true—Giannis stayed with Milwaukee and won without a star-studded roster—the comment struck some as hypocritical. Critics noted that the Bucks had strategically built a strong supporting cast, including Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, both All-Stars at points in their careers. Dismissing other players’ paths while ignoring his own team’s advantages seemed selective, especially for someone who claims to focus solely on his own journey. And of course he then went on to ask for Lillard, making it even more hypocritical!
3. Sportsmanship vs. On-Court Antics
Giannis is often lauded for his sportsmanship, but certain on-court behaviours have drawn scrutiny. His prolonged free-throw routines, which sometimes exceed the NBA’s 10-second rule, have frustrated opponents and fans alike. In a 2022 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid publicly called out Giannis for taking upwards of 12 seconds per free throw, accusing him of bending the rules. Giannis responded by saying he’s “just playing within the game,” but critics argue that if he prides himself on integrity, exploiting a rule loophole undermines that.
Additionally, Giannis’s occasional trash-talking, while not excessive, has been seen as inconsistent with his “let my game speak” persona. In a 2024 playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, he engaged in heated exchanges with Tyrese Haliburton, later downplaying it as “just competition.” Yet, when younger players like Haliburton talk trash, Giannis has been quick to call them out, suggesting a double standard. Most importantly of course Haliburton beat him where it counts – in the playoffs.
4. Loyalty vs. Trade Rumours
Giannis has repeatedly expressed loyalty to Milwaukee, stating he’d rather stay and build a legacy than chase rings elsewhere. This stance has won over Bucks fans, especially in a small market. However, in 2023 and 2024, Giannis made cryptic comments about his future, saying he’d consider leaving if the Bucks couldn’t compete for titles. While understandable from a competitive standpoint, these remarks clashed with his earlier vows of unwavering commitment.
Some argue this is less hypocrisy and more pragmatism—an athlete hedging his bets. But for fans who bought into his “loyalty forever” narrative, the shift felt like a betrayal of his own words. Critics point out that Giannis wants the image of a loyal superstar but also the leverage to push management, a balancing act that can feel disingenuous.
The Bigger Picture: Athletes and Public Expectations
The hypocrisy debate around Giannis highlights a broader issue: the unrealistic expectations placed on athletes. Fans and media often demand consistency in behaviour, words, and values, ignoring the complexities of being a public figure. Giannis, like any person, can’t perfectly embody every trait he’s praised for—hard work, humility, sportsmanship, loyalty—at all times. What he does seem to lack is the intelligence in how he tries to cover up when he makes mistakes. In a different post for example I explained how his treatment of his children on social media makes no sense at all.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo a hypocrite? The answer depends on how strictly you define the term. There are undeniable instances where his actions or words don’t fully align with his public persona, from practice habits to loyalty comments.
Question 1: You guys were up seven in overtime, you had a chance to extend this series. What happened down the stretch?
Giannis: “It was a tough game. We fought hard, gave everything we had. In overtime, we had a good lead, but they made some big shots. Haliburton made a tough layup at the end. We had our chances, but it’s a game of runs. They made one more play than we did. That’s basketball sometimes.”
Question 2: You’ve been in these situations before, elimination games. How do you find that resilience to keep pushing, especially with the injuries this team has faced?
Giannis: “I don’t try to seek resilience or extra motivation or anything. There’s no emotion or extra juice. I’m juiced up. I don’t need no extra juice, man. I kind of need to get rid of some juice that I have. I just go out there and play. I love playing basketball. I love competing. I love being in these moments. You don’t got to find nothing. It’s right there. You just go take it. That’s what I try to do every single night.”
Question 3: You had a triple-double tonight, unbelievable effort. How do you feel about your performance and the team’s effort overall?
Giannis: “I feel good about my performance, but it’s not about me. It’s about the team. We played hard, we competed. We left it all out there. I’m proud of the guys. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we fought. That’s all you can ask for. You can’t control the outcome sometimes, but you can control your effort. I think we did that tonight.”
Known for philosophical responses (e.g., 2023’s “no failure in sports” comment after losing to the Heat), Giannis often emphasizes effort over outcomes and avoids public criticism of teammates or coaches. It sort of worked the first time, was disrespectful the second time and now he is cunning in avoiding all game specific questions and just talking about his upbringing and personal story all the time. Because that’s all he has left having proven himself incapable of impacting a playoff series.
Analysis of Logical Discrepancies.
Statement: “We had a good lead, but they made some big shots. Haliburton made a tough layup at the end. We had our chances, but it’s a game of runs. They made one more play than we did. That’s basketball sometimes.” The phrase “that’s basketball sometimes” is way too simplistic, implying the loss was due to chance rather than specific failures. The Bucks’ collapse involved defensive lapses (allowing Haliburton’s penetration) and offensive stagnation (no field goals in the final 1:30 of overtime, per game logs from other sources). Giannis’ vague explanation avoids addressing these issues by not acknowledging correctable errors.
Statement: “I don’t try to seek resilience or extra motivation or anything. There’s no emotion or extra juice. I’m juiced up. I don’t need no extra juice, man. I kind of need to get rid of some juice that I have. I just go out there and play. I love playing basketball. I love competing. I love being in these moments. You don’t got to find nothing. It’s right there. You just go take it. That’s what I try to do every single night.”
Claiming “no emotion or extra juice” in an elimination game is logically inconsistent with the heightened stakes. Elimination games typically require additional emotional or strategic intensity, yet Giannis suggests he approaches Game 5 like any other night. This could imply a lack of situational adaptation, especially as the Bucks collapsed in overtime despite his efforts. For example, his eight potential assists in Game 1 yielded only one actual assist (per wisportsheroics.com), indicating teammates’ inability to capitalize on his playmaking, which might have required “extra juice” to inspire or adjust.
In 2023, after losing to the Heat, Giannis passionately rejected the “failure” label, saying, “There’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days… You don’t always win.” This showed emotional investment in reframing loss, contrasting with 2025’s claim of “no emotion.” The 2023 response suggested he cared deeply about outcomes, while 2025 implies emotional steadiness. You might want to pick a side Giannis!
Saying he needs to “get rid of some juice” implies excessive intensity, which could be counterproductive. If Giannis was overly aggressive, it might have led to forced plays or turnovers, though no specific overtime errors are detailed (e.g., turnovers or bad shots). This contrasts with the team’s need for composed leadership to counter the Pacers’ run.
Statement: “I feel good about my performance, but it’s not about me. It’s about the team. We played hard, we competed. We left it all out there. I’m proud of the guys. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we fought. That’s all you can ask for. You can’t control the outcome sometimes, but you can control your effort. I think we did that tonight.”
Giannis’ claim that “we left it all out there” and his pride in the teamis logically inconsistent with the supporting cast’s poor performance. Kyle Kuzma’s 0-point, 0-rebound, 0-assist stat line in 22 minutes (per wisportsheroics.com) and the team’s reliance on “unqualified players” like Taurean Prince highlight deficiencies. Praising the team’s effort might gloss over these failures, especially as the overtime collapse involved teammates missing shots and defensive breakdowns. As always Giannis is effectively saying “I was on my own playing hero ball and the rest are all useless” but pretending to dress it up.
Saying “you can’t control the outcome sometimes” implies the loss was inevitable, which contradicts the game’s winnable nature. He said so himself a few days earlier in the “now I know what I need to do” interview. Guess he didn’t know after all! The Bucks led by seven in overtime, and errors like allowing Haliburton’s layup or failing to score late were controllable. This framing could downplay accountability for strategic or execution failures.
Giannis’ claim of “no extra emotion” may be a response to the emotional toll of three straight first-round exits (2023-2025). His 2025 calmness could reflect emotional fatigue or a strategic choice to avoid vulnerability amid scrutiny. He basically avoided answering as he was at odds with many things he has claimed in the past where he has said the opposite.
So….
Giannis’ Game 5 post-game interview contains several logical discrepancies, primarily stemming from his optimistic framing of team effort and downplaying of specific failures in a high-stakes context.
It is sad that Giannis had to revert to his classic mythologies, how he had to fight on the streets of Athens to sell trinkets and be chased by the police etc because he has no basketball related answers anymore. He tried one line of excuses after one early playoff exit the first time after the championship. He tried a different line of excuses the next. And yet another after that. He has run out of excuses and he knows it so he falls back to his classic storyline which always works. We know you have an amazing backstory Giannis. Maybe it’s time you admit you can’t improve on the court and that the NBA has figured you out. No, it isn’t “your turn” like that in pro basketball. Most people never get “a turn” even if they keep trying. It takes skill and improvement, neither of which you have been doing these past years.
Beyond his incredible athleticism and inspiring rise from humble beginnings, fans often notice the number he proudly wears on his jersey: 34. While jersey numbers can sometimes be arbitrary, Giannis claims the choice of 34 carries deep personal significance tied to his family and his journey.
The Family Connection: A Tribute to His Parents
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s story is one of resilience, family, and loyalty, and his jersey number is a direct reflection of that. He has openly shared that he chose 34 as a tribute to his parents, Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, who were born in 1963 and 1964, respectively. When you combine the last digits of their birth years—3 from 1963 and 4 from 1964—you get 34. This simple yet heartfelt gesture showcases Giannis’ deep gratitude for the sacrifices his parents made to give him and his brothers a better life. It’s also kinda dumb and possibly retrospectively applied to impress. After all his personal story is a big part of his personal brand. After all using 1964 and 1963 he could have picked pretty much any jersey number. Why just the last digit? Why the 3 first? He could just as well have number 43. It makes zero sense. Here is what AI says:
Born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrants, Giannis grew up in a tight-knit family facing significant challenges. His parents worked tirelessly, often selling goods on the streets to provide for their five sons. Charles and Veronica instilled in Giannis a sense of hard work, perseverance, and unity—values that have defined his career and personal life. By wearing 34, Giannis says keeps his parents close to him on the court, honoring their legacy and the foundation they built for his success.
A Number Rooted in His Origin Story
The choice of 34 isn’t just a numerical nod to his parents’ birth years; it’s also a symbol of Giannis’ origin story. Before he became an NBA superstar, Giannis was an unknown teenager playing in Greece’s lower basketball leagues. His family’s immigrant background and financial struggles shaped his early years, and he didn’t even pick up basketball seriously until his mid-teens. The number 34 ties him to that past—a reminder of where he came from and the people who supported him along the way. Or at least that’s what he says! Because it doesn’t really make much sense.
When Giannis was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 as the 15th overall pick, he brought with him not just raw talent but also a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing. The number 34 became a way to carry his family’s journey with him into the NBA, grounding him as he transitioned from a lanky prospect to a global icon.
Consistency Across His Career
Giannis has worn number 34 consistently throughout his professional career with the Bucks. This consistency speaks to his character—loyal, steadfast, and unwavering in his principles. Either that or he is too lazy to start over at a new franchise. While some athletes might choose a number for its flashiness or cultural cachet (think Michael Jordan’s 23 or LeBron James’ 6), Giannis’ choice, if in fact it was a choice, tries to point to his brand.
Interestingly, Giannis didn’t wear 34 during his early basketball days in Greece with Filathlitikos, where he sported number 13 instead or number 4. However, once he arrived in Milwaukee, he settled on 34, and it’s been a constant ever since. The Bucks have embraced this number as synonymous with their franchise star, and it’s now etched into the team’s history, especially after Giannis’ iconic 50-point performance in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals to clinch the championship.
A Symbol of Unity for the Antetokounmpo Brothers
Family extends beyond just his parents for Giannis—his brothers also play a significant role in his life and career. Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex Antetokounmpo have all pursued basketball, with Thanasis even joining Giannis on the Bucks roster. While his brothers have worn different numbers (Thanasis wears 43, for example), Giannis’ 34 serves as a unifying thread for the family’s collective journey in the sport. It’s a subtle way of representing the Antetokounmpo legacy, which has grown from the streets of Athens to the NBA hardwood. Kostas wears number 37. Alex wears number 29. Go figure. They either don’t share the same passion for family loyalty or just don’t bullshit as much as Giannis.
In interviews, Giannis often speaks about the importance of family, crediting his brothers for pushing him and keeping him grounded. The number 34, in a way, encapsulates that brotherhood, linking his individual success to the shared dreams and struggles of the Antetokounmpo clan.
The Cultural Impact of 34
Giannis’ rise to stardom has made number 34 more than just a jersey number—it’s a symbol of inspiration for fans, especially those from immigrant backgrounds or underdog stories. The “Greek Freak” nickname and his larger-than-life personality have turned 34 into a recognizable brand. Bucks fans proudly wear 34 jerseys, and young players around the world look to emulate the two-time MVP who turned adversity into triumph.
It’s true that the number 34 has been worn by some of the NBA’s most iconic players. “Shaq” wore number 34 during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won multiple championships. “Sir Charles” made the number 34 famous during his time with the Phoenix Suns. Hakeem Olajuwon, “The Dream” wore number 34 with the Houston Rockets, where he won his NBA titles. Also Ray Allen, Wendell Carter jr, even Elgin Baylor wore it once for a season. But sure, you can choose to believe that Giannis picked it because of his parents if you prefer…
Did He Have Other Options?
When Giannis joined the Bucks, it’s worth noting that jersey numbers aren’t always a free-for-all choice—teams have retired numbers or current players occupying certain digits. For example, the Bucks have retired numbers like 1 (Oscar Robertson), 8 (Marques Johnson), and 32 (Brian Winters), but 34 was available. Giannis may well have had other numbers in mind, but he’s never publicly wavered from his commitment to 34. It’s unlikely that the personal significance of the number made it his top choice from the start, and the Bucks were happy to oblige their future cornerstone. He probably just made up the story retrospectively. It’s a bit like when you get a new SIM card with a strange number and you try to make sense of it in order to remember it. “Oh, yes, it’s my birthday backwards except the second and fifth digits are different!”
More Than Just a Number? It doesn’t matter anymore
So, why does Giannis wear 34? It’s a tribute to his parents, Charles and Veronica, whose birth years inspired the choice. It’s a link to his roots in Greece and the sacrifices his family made. It’s a constant in a career marked by extraordinary growth, and it’s a symbol of the unity that defines the Antetokounmpo family. For Giannis, 34 isn’t just a number—it’s a story, a legacy, and a reminder of what drives him every time he steps onto the court.
Then again, it’s probably 100% bullshit. His kids are called Liam, Maverick and Eva. In many Nigerian cultures it is important to honour ancestors by naming children after parents or other relatives. This is a way to keep the family lineage alive and to pass on positive qualities. This practice is very common in many ethnic groups, including the Yoruba and Igbo people. So Giannis must be related to his Ford Maverick because he sure didn’t think to name them after his parents!
As Giannis continues to build his career, number 34 will undoubtedly remain a defining part of his identity. For fans, it’s a number that represents not just a basketball player, but a man who turned his family’s dreams into reality—one dunk, one block, and one heartfelt tribute at a time. It also shows just how gullible his fans are. More than likely the selection of number 34 was completely random when he arrived at the Bucks and he totally made up the meaning he now says it has. But that’s what his fans like and they are more than willing to lap up any stupid story he comes up with!
So this clip is doing the rounds with Bucks’ fans:
Of course they cut out the part where Melo takes the ball straight from this “block” and scores a beautiful clean mid range getting nothing but net:
For starters, why was Giannis even on the floor? Khris wasn’t in the fourth quarter of a blowout. There was no point but of course Giannis always trying to stat pad, eh? And then you wonder why he is injured again? Here are the Bucks’ points in the fourth quarter of this loss.
I mention this because he still does it and he is again injured. This is a permanent problem with Giannis in the regular season, no basketball IQ. It is also clear in something else he still does.
Giannis doesn’t understand angles in defence. At this stage of the game, OKC are clearly not even trying since they are twenty points ahead. They are loading on the right side mainly due to boredom and lack of effort. So Melo goes 1on1 against Giannis who essentially gives him 1/3 of the court! And because he is playing like he is, no other defender is covering (for example against the spin move). Giannis is dangerous for everyone on the court. In the regular season most just try to stay safe and away from him. What you call “an amazing recovery” I call a dangerous explosion for no good reason. It truly is like playing with a ten year old.
Oh and of course it was goal tending! Here are the stats for last season, Giannis up there at 6th most goal tending whistles. (He gets away with some, like he got away with this one.)
And of course Giannis was squarely beaten by Melo overall in the game. Not just the Bucks losing but Melo had solidly better contributions.
Just to explain again, this is 100% goal tending. It doesn’t matter if it was still going up. Which it wasn’t. More like at the apex of the trajectory. But it is clearly over the cylinder of the rim, as per the rules.
Remember these camera angles are behind the basket so the ball is at least half over the rim cylinder.
But this isn’t even the worse regarding this clip. Because the Bucks promote it as proof of Giannis “amazing recovery speed”. But to summarise more objectively:
Giannis was on the court for no good reason in a blowout loss.
He fouled Melo multiple times before all this.
He was playing defense all wrong one on one leaving 1/3 of the court free.
Melo did a beautiful move on him that worked.
Giannis clearly committed goal tending.
Melo scored anyway.
And THIS is paraded as a clip where we should be admiring Giannis? Do you all realize the damage you do to him like this? It is as if the entire basketball world treats Giannis like a spoilt child to whom nobody tells the truth.
And now it is all falling apart because – as the Greek saying goes – “lies have short legs”.
