“Greek Bleak,” Shaquille O’Neal said of Thanasis Antetokounmpo. The Greek star often faces online accusations of nepotism. One of the most brutal came in Feb earlier this year from Charles Barkley, who sarcastically remarked that Antetokounmpo’s job security was better “than a Supreme Court justice.” However, Antetokounmpo says he takes these criticisms as compliments.

“Oh that’s a compliment because that means I’m a good person and nobody gives  you nothing if they don’t like you first of all. And you got to bring something to the table,” Antetokounmpo said when the host on the Bootleg Kev podcast asked the veteran about the constant criticism he gets on social media. But that was not all. 

Antetokounmpo went on to reveal that he has nothing against Chuck or Shaq either, and has rather held a good interaction. “I actually like Charles Barkley and I actually like Shaq. When I meet them, they like ‘this is like fun’,” he says. But he also admits that it isn’t easy getting to the league. If it was, “don’t other people have brothers?” he asks, highlighting that one could demand anything there on.

Regardless, some continue to place the Bucks star under scrutiny. When asked about whether these comments affect him, the 2x Greek League Champion says that these don’t sway him from his game.

While he has had his share of criticisms, his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. After having younger brother Giannis Antetokounmpo on his side, the 2021 NBA champion also saw his teammates and specifically, Damian Lillard hold high regard for him.

Damian Lillard takes a stand for Thanasis Antetokounmpo

While Thanasis prefers to maintain his quiet on this matter, his teammate didn’t take the same route. Addressing the constant criticism against the 31-year-old, Lillard argued how many discredit him without being aware of his abilities. “Like his defensively, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s competitive. It’s disrespectful,” Lillard said in a conversation with Complex Sports.

He further alluded that despite all the criticism, people will never be able to replace him. He also praised TA’s work ethic. “I see a lot of stuff on social media about TA, there are people who think they are more talented or have more ability, but they could never take his spot,” Lillard stated.

Apart from him, The Greek Freak also often hypes up his brother on social media. He scored a total of 32 points with an FG% of 53.3 after averaging 4.6 minutes in 2023-24. Regardless of the situation with nepotism and criticism, Thanasis has been rather well receptive.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.