Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

One of the best players in the world currently is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” has garnered millions of fans around the world thanks to his play and humility. While many consider him to be a generational talent, he has critics as well.

One of them is NBA legend, Charles Oakley. The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks legend talked about the Greek Freak and caused some controversy. According to him, Antetokounmpo is not good enough and would be coming off the bench in his era.

USA Today via Reuters

Coming to Antetokounmpo’s rescue is another fellow Hall of Famer. While talking on Draymond Green’s podcast, Charles Barkley responded to Oakley. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Charles Barkley comes to the rescue of Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks led by Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most entertaining teams to watch at the moment. The team is comfortably in a playoff spot and is looking to clinch the NBA title. While Giannis has his fair share of fans, it seems as if Charles Oakley is not one of them.

USA Today via Reuters

Oakley talked about Giannis and how he would be coming off the bench in hsi time. Charles Barkley defended Giannis in a recent interview with Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. He said, “I don’t know about Giannis’ response but I heard Charles Oakley say that Giannis would be like coming off. He’s not that good of a player and he’d be coming off the bench in our day. I hope Giannis don’t respond because then they are gonna go back and forth.”

Barkley added, “In the next 10 to 15 years, he’s gonna set so many records because he is getting an easy 28 a night. I hope he don’t respond because that was a stupid statement. It was unnecessary.”

Giannis, on the other hand, has been proving his worth on the basketball court. He is one of the frontrunners to win the NBA MVP award alongside other stars and is looking to add another NBA ring.

READ MORE: Lakers Critic Charles Barkley Takes a Hateful Pledge Against LeBron James’ Team in Viral Rant

The Greek Freak averages an impressive 29.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Moreover, the Milwaukee Bucks currently take 4th place in the Eastern Conference.

Charles Oakley’s comments on Barkley

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The two NBA legends are not said to be good friends. Interestingly enough, Oakley wrote about Barkley in his new book. According to Oakley, Charles Barkley is not on good terms with Michael Jordan and he is not on good terms with anyone in the industry.

He wrote, “He’s not close with Michael [Jordan] no more. I don’t know who he’s really on [good] terms with now.” Interestingly enough, Charles Oakley also mentioned how Barkley isn’t invited to golfing events anymore.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: 5 times NBA players were caught cheating on LIVE TV

Do you agree with Charles Oakley? Let us know in the comments below.