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Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee Bucks is considered one the greatest of all time to step on the hardwood. With extraordinary athletic ability, dunks of Giannis are a sensation. But he has received his share of criticism. Critics point out that his ability is mostly restricted to run and dunk. That, his skill set is not diverse enough. The two-time MVP has his backers in the basketball world, though, who tend to puncture the narrative surrounding the veteran.

In 2020, James Harden took a dig at Giannis without taking his name on the same lines. Giannis then tried to answer Harden by the performance and by the words. But this time, it was Carmelo Anthony who chose to be his defender.

Carmelo Anthony on Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Former basketball player Carmelo Anthony put his weight behind the star. He opined that the athletic ability of Giannis is unique, if not diverse. Carmelo was asked if Giannis could just run and dunk, and he asked for the rock to step and score a dunk. Carmelo answered that why should somebody change a skill that has brought him to the highest level.

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He further added that Giannis needed not to be perfect and that he needed not to have everything in his kitty. He added that what Giannis brings to the game is unmatched that only a few in the basketball world can create. Carmelo compared Giannis to David Robinson’s athletic, run, and dunk ability.

Carmello said while talking to the writer and comedian The Kid Mero, “What you bring to the game is something unmatched. He is like a David Robinson. Like back in the day used to run the lane you know push the ball get it off the rebound.”

Anthony, however, shared that he can’t be compared to Stephen Curry, who has a bag full of skills. Curry passed the 3500 3-pointer mark recently. Anthony came to his defense but the narrative around Giannis was floated around by none other than Clippers star James Harden who recently crossed 25000 points.

The clash of titans: Harden vs Giannis

Carmelo called Giannis a student who took the mindset of Cole, the run and dunk ability of LeBron, and the post-game skills of Shaw and Dwight Howard. This aspect of Giannis has not found much appreciation. In 2020, Harden shared that he needed to work on his skills and that his frame would not suffice to the needs of the game. Harden said while the conversation was around Giannis. He said, “I wish I could be 7-feet, run and just dunk. That takes no skill at all.”

I gotta learn how to play basketball and how to have skills. I’ll take that any day.”

When Giannis surpassed

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Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s record of being the highest scorer for the Milwaukee Bucks, he answered Harden. Giannis said that he is changing the narrative. Giannis said, “You know, I don’t want to be the guy that only dunks and runs. I can make a three.”

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