As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Hid Behind Michael Jordan’s Legacy, NBA Legend Charles Barkley Lends a Hand of Support to the Former Champion

NBA fans saw a different side of Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Milwaukee Bucks’ disappointing playoff exit. The Greek Freak was already upset enough after the loss to the Miami Heat. So when a reporter asked if the Bucks’ season was a ‘failure’, it triggered the two-time MVP. He lashed out at the reporter, but there was a sense of passion. Even when it seemed Antetokounmpo was blinded by anger, he answered the question with a near-perfect breakdown. Several celebrities commended the Bucks superstar for his response. Even NBA legend Charles Barkley felt he “understands” Antetokounmpo’s frustration for one particular reason.

Reacting to the seven-time All-Star’s emotional moment on Inside the NBA, Barkley wondered what would be the outcome of the series if luck sided with Milwaukee.

Charles Barkley shows his support for Giannis Antetokounmpo

At first, the Bucks star was out to prove a point. He even drew parallels to Michael Jordan: “Michael Jordan played 15 years, and won six championships. The other nine years was a failure?” But he would soon calm down and speak from a place of passion. Antetokounmpo’s response got much more love than hate, and the reason was simple: it came from the core of a competitor. Even though his season had just come to an end, he was already looking at the next step. The term ‘failure’ caught him off guard at first. However, the Bucks forward did get a hold of himself soon after.

His response proved one thing, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a true sportsman. Not only does he understand what it takes to win, but he also knows “some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn.” 

His answer was heard all around the league and soon reached Inside the NBA. There the debate began, whether Antetokounmpo was right to say the Bucks didn’t fail. Shaquille O’Neal, who sees himself in the Greek Freak, surprisingly disagreed with the All-Star forward. However, Charles Barkley didn’t share the same views as Big Diesel.

“You don’t always win,” said Barkley as he agreed with Antetokounmpo. The NBA Hall of Famer also pointed out the importance of luck in getting to the glory land. And in doing so, the 60-year-old analyst spoke of Milwaukee’s biggest misfortune during their battle against the Miami Heat: Antetokounmpo had to miss more than half the series. Barkley also believes he knows why the Greek Freak reacted the way he did.

The analyst feels it was because Antetokounmpo knew his health played a huge part in the outcome of the series. “I understand why he was mad about the question. If he plays every game, it might have been a different series,” said Charles Barkley when speaking about the Heat’s win over Milwaukee.

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The Milwaukee superstar’s scary fall in Game 1 led to him missing a couple of games. Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to return for the last two games. However, you can’t help but wonder, what happens if he was fighting with the Bucks for the entire series? While many will open this debate, these instances are simply a part of the sport.

At the end of the day, the Miami Heat emerged as the better side not because Antetokounmpo went down, but because it was their time. An inspired effort from Jimmy Butler showed just how passionate and hungry Miami was to advance.

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But as Antetokounmpo said, Milwaukee will be back next season. There is no doubt he will be working like a maniac through the summer and chasing the same goal once again. Do you think if Giannis Antetokounmpo played every game, the outcome would have been different?