Any team that employs a two-time league MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo and an all-time crunchtime killer in Damian Lillard has got to be considered one of the teams to watch out for this coming season. However, that isn’t the case when asking Hall of Fame forward and renowned TV personality Charles Barkley.
Speaking to veteran journalist and basketball savant Bill Simmons on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” the legendary player turned broadcaster said the “Greek Freak” must refine his game further if the Bucks are to have a chance at regaining the throne they held got on in 2021.
Giannis has to get better
Since hitting his stride and winning the Most Improved Player award in 2017, the 7-foot forward has been an unstoppable force in the league, winning every award there is, including the Most Valuable Player trophy—which he has done twice—and the Defensive Player of the Year. Most importantly, he led the Bucks to the promised land in 2021, defeating the Phoenix Suns to capture the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.
However, since that title run, Giannis and the Bucks haven’t enjoyed much success. They exited in the second round in 2022 and lost in the first round in the next two postseasons. Worse, the Greek Freak has played in only three playoff games in the last two years, suffering back and hamstring injuries in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
With this, Charles declared that Giannis has to switch his game up a bit, claiming that his style of powering into the lane and daring a wall of defenders to stop him may no longer be a viable tactic.
“I think that Giannis has to get better as a basketball player. Going downhill, one on five is not gonna work. Yeah, it doesn’t work,” Barkley mused.
Although Antetonkounmpo continues to rack up numbers, opposing defenses have already become wise to his tactics. They have crowded the paint and forced him to either take tough shots or make difficult passes. As a result, Giannis has struggled in the playoffs, unable to dominate as he does during the regular season. It certainly doesn’t help that the eight-time All-Star still hasn’t developed a consistent jumper, making only 32 percent of shots taken from 10-16 feet.
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Chuck is not a Milwaukee guy
The Bucks’ front office has assembled a more balanced roster this coming season. Still flanking Giannis and Dame are All-Stars Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and super sixth man Bobby Portis. They have also bolstered their depth by adding proven vets Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright. However, Chuck asserted that he doesn’t think Milwaukee is a legitimate contender and that the fate of the Bucks still lies in their Greek superstar’s hands.
“He’s a terrific player and a terrific kid, but he’s got to get better as a basketball player,” Barkley emphasized.
Since faltering in the Paris Olympics, Giannis hasn’t been seen or heard much from the basketball world. According to Simmons, the Greek Freak has been training hard under the watchful eyes of renowned trainer Drew Hanlen.
Giannis’ development will be crucial to the Bucks’ success this season. After being knocked out of the playoffs in heartbreaking fashion two years in a row, Milwaukee needs their star player to step up and lead them to a championship.
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