In the social media arena, it’s time for action as Damian Lillard from the Bucks takes a stand to protect his teammate, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, from the relentless attacks of online trolls. In a recent interview with Complex’s West Wilson, Lillard fiercely rebuffed the notion perpetuated by fans that Antetokounmpo’s spot on the team is merely a product of nepotism, denouncing it as utterly disrespectful. Lillard defends Antetokounmpo against the trolls, refusing to tolerate their baseless accusations
Lillard defends Antetokounmpo: “Thanasis Antetokounmpo Deserves Respect, Not Trolling”
“Let’s get one thing straight about TA. Those keyboard warriors might talk a big game, but I bet my bottom dollar that most of them couldn’t even lace up against him one-on-one,” declared Lillard passionately. “Defensively, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Big, strong, athletic, and fiercely competitive. It’s an insult to his dedication. Social media is buzzing with disrespect towards TA, but truth be told, those armchair critics wouldn’t last a minute in his shoes. You won’t find a player more committed to the team, showing up day in and day out, putting in the hard yards.”
Antetokounmpo, the elder sibling of Bucks sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo, has been a fixture in Milwaukee since 2019. Despite predominantly serving in a reserve capacity and often hitting the court during garbage time, he’s faced relentless mockery from fans who contend he’s riding the coattails of his superstar brother.
But let’s pump the brakes on the hate train for a moment. While Thanasis might not be topping the NBA skills charts, his journey didn’t start and end in Milwaukee. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks both had him on their G League rosters, with the Knicks even giving him a taste of the NBA spotlight in the 2015-16 season.
Beyond the borders of the U.S., Antetokounmpo showcased his talent on the international stage, making waves with clubs like Andorra and Panathinaikos. His standout performances earned him accolades, including the title of Most Spectacular Player in the Greek League during the 2017-18 season, not to mention leading Panathinaikos to consecutive championships.
So, before we dismiss Antetokounmpo as a mere benchwarmer, let’s acknowledge the grit and grind he’s put in on and off the court. Those NBA Twitter warriors might want to think twice before stepping into Thanasis’ territory.
Comments