Amid Rumors of Following James Harden’s Path, Former NBA Champion Slams Giannis Antetokounmpo for Disrespecting “Championship Calibre” Team

James Harden has headlined the most controversial narrative of the 2023 offseason. His trade request from the Philadelphia 76ers sparked a highly dramatic series of events that have now burnt bridges. However, just when The Beard‘s trade saga seemed to have an unyielding hold on the NBA world’s attention, Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped a bombshell.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the Milwaukee Bucks‘ franchise player for almost a decade. From winning a championship to leading them to the top seed, the 2-time MVP has done it all. However, the 7-time All-Star has now made claims to follow James Harden’s footsteps, much to the fans’ amazement. This also did not sit right with a former NBA champion who claimed that The Greek Freak was disrespecting his “championship calibre” franchise.

Former NBA champion slams Giannis Antetokounmpo for the disrespect

Giannis Antetokounmpo sent shockwaves across the NBA world with his statements about winning. The Bucks forward indirectly threatened to leave the Bucks franchise if they were not on the same page as him about contending for a championship. A bold statement, much like James Harden’s taunts against the Sixers in China. Although Antetokounmpo made statements threatening his franchise, he put a powerful message across. However, this did not sit right with the former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, Kendrick Perkins. He slammed the Bucks forward for “disrespecting” his franchise on ESPN’s “NBA Today”.

“If I’m Giannis’ teammates, I’d feel a little bit disrespected“, claimed Perkins. He added, “The Bucks have done everything in their power to make sure that they put the pieces around Giannis to be successful. I mean Jesus Christ, they had the best record in the league last season. When it comes down to being aggressive in the offseason, didn’t the Bucks make the trade to get Jrue Holiday?” He further elaborated, “I mean think about the pieces that they added. They added Malik Beasley this offseason…..you have a championship-caliber team and a team that has shown you time and time again that we’re willing to jump off the porch for you so I really don’t get where this energy is coming from….”

Perkins critically slammed Antetokounmpo’s attitude towards the Bucks franchise. Backing the franchise’s front office, he questioned the 2-time MVP’s statements about winning. However, the 28-year-old’s statements have a reason behind them too. Although Antetokounmpo did not reveal the reason behind his outburst, one can assume the Bucks forward does not want to repeat last season’s error.

The Greek Freak’s humiliation may have resulted in his outburst

Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season. When the NBA world expected another championship run from the franchise, they were stunned by the chaos that ensued. The Bucks’ dreams came crashing down as the Miami Heat handed them a humiliating exit from the playoffs.

Jimmy Butler and his troops staged a shocking upset against the No.1 seeded Bucks, crushing Antetokounmpo’s championship dreams. Despite leading the Bucks to an incredible championship in 2021, The Greek Freak had no answers for the Heat’s resilience. The Bucks faced a 4-1 first-round exit despite Antetokounmpo’s impressive performance.

READ MORE : Despite Claiming to Sleep in a Bucks Uniform, Giannis Antetokounmpo Doubles Down on Importance of “Winning” and “Better Situation”

Now, Antetokounmpo has threatened the franchise to jump ship if they do not bring up a winning mentality. The Bucks seem on the same page as Antetokounmpo, but will they be able to retain The Greek Freak’s talents? Is Kendrick Perkins right in his statements? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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