Giannis Antetokounmpo is an old-school player who uses his size to dominate the game. His gameplay resides to more brute style rather than having a jump shot. While it has worked for the Greek Freak, NBA legend Tracy McGrady believes it won’t have worked well in his era.
Tracy McGrady says Giannis Antetokounmpo would’ve ‘struggled’ in his era
“If you can’t shoot, it’s gonna be hard. And Giannis’ game is predicated on coming downhill. … It would have been tough for him to be who he is today, back then.” https://t.co/RCaMfyd5eu
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 17, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The NBA fans did not take it well and brought up the argument of Shaquille O’Neal, who was one of the most dominant forces in the history of the league.
Antetokounmpo often adds to his game every off-season. He keeps on improving and strives to be the best. While he is the dominant player in the league today, he does have some weaknesses. And one of them is not having a consistent jump shot.
However, for McGrady to say he wouldn’t dominate in his era may be a bit of a stretch.
WATCH THIS STORY: Who Is Malik Monk’s New Girlfriend Iggy Azalea?
Did Shaquille O’Neal not dominate?
Recently, while speaking to Shaq on his podcast, T-Mac said Giannis would struggle in his era. He said due to his play style of coming down the lane, it would be tough for him to prevail. And NBA fans were quick to get on the Hall of Famer for making such a claim.
The old era was dominated by big men. Players like Shaq, Hakeem, and David Robinson were dominating in T-Mac’s era. As centers, they never relied on a jump shot, but rather their size and post-work. For Giannis, he has great footwork and is almost unstoppable in the paint. Even Shaquille O’Neal said Giannis is a better player than him.
So Shaq had a jump shot? 😂😂 https://t.co/glLmA9j7La
— Cream Abdul Jabbar 🏀 (@WoIverlean) February 17, 2022
Wait didn’t Shaq literally win 3 straight finals and be the best player in the world for 5 years in his ‘era’
— Giannis SZN (@Giannis34SZN) February 17, 2022
and just a 10 game sample. Tell us more though, guy who never lead his team past the first round.
— NBA CHAMPS!!!!! (@chris_bucks34) February 17, 2022
Giannis can’t shoot?
T-Mac try getting out of the first round first buddy… pic.twitter.com/0w3VpRRkTL
— Jordan Nichols (@JordanN1333272) February 17, 2022
Surely these 2 guys who conquered your era knew how to shoot jumpers! pic.twitter.com/h1SGQvRY6g
— ⁶𓅓 (@HR_6IX) February 17, 2022
“If you can’t shoot you’d struggle”claim is false. In the 2000s, the game was inside out and big men dominated. Giannis would be just fine in T-Mac’s era, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski’s Burner (@wojespnburn) February 17, 2022
In the past era, the big men used their size to bullet defenders and make their way. This is similar to what Giannis is doing in this era. The Greek Freak knows how to make his way into the paint and from there on out he is unstoppable. He showed his dominance in the finals last season playing some of the most dominating two-way basketball.
READ MORE: DeMar DeRozan Drops Truth Bomb on Hating Utah Because of Michael Jordan
So with all things in, how would Giannis do?
Could Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate?
There is almost no doubt that the Greek Freak would dominate in the era of big men. Giannis is a superstar in today’s league with one of the most stacked resumes. Despite being only 27, Antetokounmpo has won 2 MVP’s, a finals MVP and a DPOY. There aren’t many players in the history of the league to have these achievements under their belt.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moreover, Giannis is still developing his game and developing a jump shot. He has constantly worked to get better with each coming year and this year he is shooting the three much more. Hence, if the Freak can develop a jump shot, he could potentially become one of the biggest forces the NBA has ever come across.
Do you think Giannis would dominate in the old era? Let us know in the comments below.
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.