{"id":1436,"date":"2025-04-24T12:11:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T12:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/?p=1436"},"modified":"2025-04-24T12:39:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T12:39:26","slug":"why-most-nba-players-question-giannis-hype","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/2025\/04\/24\/why-most-nba-players-question-giannis-hype\/","title":{"rendered":"Why most NBA Players Question Giannis&#8217; Hype"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks&#8217; superstar, is undeniably one of the NBA&#8217;s most dominant forces. With two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year honor, and seven All-Star appearances by age 30, his resume is the envy of most players. Yet, despite these accolades, a large proportion of NBA players seems to believe that Giannis receives more attention than he deserves. This sentiment was underscored in The Athletic&#8217;s 2025 anonymous player poll, where Giannis garnered just 1.9% of the MVP vote, trailing far behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (56.1%) and Nikola Joki\u0107 (37.4%). So, why do some of his peers appear to undervalue him? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Athletic&#8217;s 2025 Player Poll: A Stark Reminder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Athletic&#8217;s annual anonymous player poll, conducted by Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, surveyed 155 NBA players\u2014over a third of the league\u2014in 2025. The results were telling: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the overwhelming choice for MVP, with Joki\u0107 a strong second. Giannis, despite being named one of the three official MVP finalists alongside SGA and Joki\u0107, received a mere 1.9% of the vote, tying with Donovan Mitchell. This gap between official recognition and peer perception raises questions about why Giannis, a perennial MVP candidate, is viewed so modestly by his fellow players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"656\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-53.png?resize=656%2C287&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-53.png?w=656&amp;ssl=1 656w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-53.png?resize=300%2C131&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The poll also highlighted other areas where Giannis&#8217;s reputation takes a hit. For instance, he received 2.2% of the vote for &#8220;most overrated&#8221; player, a category led by Tyrese Haliburton (14.4%). While this percentage is small, it\u2019s notable that a player of Giannis\u2019s calibre even appears on such a list. To understand this disconnect, we need to examine the critiques\u2014both explicit and implied\u2014that players have voiced about his game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Case Against Giannis: Peer Critiques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>One-Dimensional Offensive Game<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One recurring critique, echoed in posts on X, is that Giannis\u2019s offensive game lacks versatility. Users of social media have long argued that Giannis is &#8220;one-dimensional offensively, can\u2019t create shots,&#8221; which diminishes his MVP candidacy. Similarly they have noted that Giannis\u2019s inability to excel as an off-ball player, shooter, or reliable post-up scorer makes him &#8220;hard to build around.&#8221; These sentiments likely resonate with some players who value well-rounded offensive skill sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Giannis\u2019s game is built on his unparalleled athleticism and ability to attack the rim. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on 56.7% field goal shooting, numbers that mirror his career norms. However, his reliance on driving to the basket\u2014often in transition or against set defenses\u2014can be predictable. His three-point shooting remains a weak point (28.7% on 1.4 attempts per game in 2024-25), and his free-throw shooting (61.8%) is a liability in crunch time. As many have pointed out, Giannis\u2019s &#8220;lack of a half-court offence and f\/t shooting puts him down&#8221; in high-stakes situations, where players like Joki\u0107 and SGA shine with their playmaking and shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Playoff Shortcomings and Team Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-54.png?resize=683%2C463&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1442\" style=\"width:544px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-54.png?w=683&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-54.png?resize=300%2C203&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor is Giannis\u2019s postseason record. While he led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, his playoff performances have been inconsistent since. In 2024, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round by a depleted Pacers team, with Giannis sidelined by injury. The Athletic noted that some players might believe Tyrese Haliburton received undue credit for that run, given Giannis\u2019s absence, but the Bucks\u2019 early exit didn\u2019t help Giannis\u2019s case either. The Bucks\u2019 2024-25 season, marred by Damian Lillard\u2019s injury and a mid-tier 4-5 seed projection, further dims Giannis\u2019s shine compared to SGA\u2019s 68-win Thunder or Joki\u0107\u2019s 50-win Nuggets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"719\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-55.png?resize=719%2C514&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1444\" style=\"width:508px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-55.png?w=719&amp;ssl=1 719w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-55.png?resize=300%2C214&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Players may also perceive Giannis\u2019s success as partly dependent on team context. The Bucks\u2019 2021 title run featured a strong supporting cast, including Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, and a favorable playoff path (e.g., facing an injured Nets team). In contrast, Joki\u0107\u2019s ability to elevate a less talented Nuggets roster or SGA\u2019s two-way dominance on a young Thunder team may resonate more with peers who value individual impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Perceived Overhype and Media Narrative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The &#8220;most overrated&#8221; label, however small, suggests some players feel Giannis\u2019s media-driven narrative outstrips his on-court impact. <strong>Giannis has been a darling of the NBA media<\/strong>, often hailed as the league\u2019s best player due to his freakish athleticism and heartwarming backstory. In 2023, The Athletic\u2019s poll named him the top player to build around, with 52.4% of the vote, far ahead of Joki\u0107 (8.7%). Yet, by 2024, his share in that category plummeted to 2.2%, signaling a shift in perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-56.png?resize=690%2C546&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1446\" style=\"width:515px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-56.png?w=690&amp;ssl=1 690w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-56.png?resize=300%2C237&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As one player remarked in the 2023 poll, \u201cPeople kind of get bored of what he does.\u201d The constant hype around his dominance may lead some players to scrutinise his flaws more harshly, especially when compared to Joki\u0107\u2019s historic triple-double season or SGA\u2019s scoring efficiency (32.7 PPG on 52% FG in 2024-25).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Crunch-Time Struggles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Giannis\u2019s limitations in late-game situations are a frequent talking point. His reluctance to handle the ball in clutch moments\u2014often deferring to teammates like Lillard or Middleton\u2014stands in contrast to players like SGA, who thrives under pressure. Many claim that Giannis is \u201cscared of the ball\u201d in crunch time, reflect a perception that he lacks the killer instinct of other superstars. His inability to consistently close games offensively has obviously cost him respect among peers.  They fear no deer and no Giannis either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Disconnect Persists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The gap between Giannis\u2019s official accolades and peer perception likely boils down to a mix of stylistic biases and narrative fatigue. NBA players, who face Giannis firsthand, may focus on his exploitable weaknesses\u2014poor shooting, predictable drives, and clutch-time deference\u2014over his overwhelming strengths. Meanwhile, media voters, who weigh stats and team success, see Giannis as a consistent top-tier candidate. The Athletic\u2019s 2023 poll hinted at this divide, with one player noting that Giannis\u2019s \u201cgreatness is overlooked because he does it every year,\u201d yet others clearly prioritise flashier or more versatile skill sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media amplifies these critiques. Posts reflect a sentiment that Giannis\u2019s game hasn\u2019t evolved significantly since his MVP years. His lack of a reliable jumper or refined half-court offence contrasts with the modern NBA\u2019s emphasis on perimeter creation, making him seem less \u201ccomplete\u201d than Joki\u0107 or SGA. Additionally, the anonymous nature of The Athletic\u2019s poll allows players to express unfiltered opinions, which may include rivalries, grudges, or envy of Giannis\u2019s spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Polarizing Superstar &#8211; probably past his prime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Giannis Antetokounmpo\u2019s 1.9% MVP vote in the 2025 player poll is a stark reminder that even the NBA\u2019s biggest stars face skepticism from their peers. While his athletic dominance, two-way impact, and championship pedigree are undeniable, critiques about his one-dimensional offence, playoff inconsistencies, and crunch-time struggles resonate with some players. These perceptions, fuelled by media hype and social media narratives, paint Giannis as a polarising figure\u2014celebrated by fans and analysts but scrutinised by those who share the court with him and probably know best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, Giannis\u2019s legacy will depend on how he addresses these critiques. Developing a reliable jumper or taking command in clutch moments could silence doubters and restore his standing among peers. For now, though, the \u201cGreek Freak\u201d remains a paradox: a once-in-a-generation talent whose greatness is probably overstated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/4421645\/2023\/04\/18\/nba-players-poll\/?source=user_shared_article&amp;redirected=1\">The Athletic\u2019s 2025 Anonymous Player Poll<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/25189163-sga-voted-2025-nba-mvp-over-jokic-giannis-lebron-more-player-poll\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ringer\u2019s 2024-25 NBA Awards Analysis<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theringer.com\/2025\/04\/08\/nba\/nba-awards-2024-25-season-mvp-nikola-jokic-shai-gilgeous-alexander\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Posts on X reflecting player sentiment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks&#8217; superstar, is undeniably one of the NBA&#8217;s most dominant forces. With two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year honor, and seven All-Star appearances by age 30, his resume is the envy of most players. Yet, despite these accolades, a large proportion of NBA players seems [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[154,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marketing","category-nba"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/giannis-over-rated-mvp-players-poll.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1436"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1436\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1449,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1436\/revisions\/1449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekinter.net\/giannis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}