Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks Slam Stephen A. Smith’s ‘Underachiever’ Claims

Giannis Antetokounmpo needs the Milwaukee Bucks to build him a team capable of contending for a championship.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks Slam Stephen A. Smith’s ‘Underachiever’ Claims

Giannis Antetokounmpo claps back at Stephen A. Smith (Image via FirstSportz)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has seen his name become part of several discussions ever since his 2024-25 season ended. Many felt he was unhappy with the Milwaukee Bucks and was looking to get traded to a team of his choice.

Initially, it was thought that he would head to New York, which excited Queens native Stephen A. Smith. At the same time, he was also infuriated that his hometown Knicks did not have the draft capital to draw the two-time league MVP.

Instead, it was believed that the Brooklyn Nets were going to be the destination of choice. At around this time, Smith claimed that wherever the Greek Freak goes, he has to win at least another championship. Else, he would be labeled as an ‘underachiever’.

That labeling did result in some backlash from Smith’s ESPN colleagues, who believe the insistence on rings to define legacies was absurdly wrong, as it would then undermine a lot of past greats who have gone ringless.

The ESPN analyst tried to clarify that it was what the fans believed, but social media reactions as well as a LeBron James‘ opinion on the ring culture made it clear that it was the media’s doing. Now, Giannis Antetokounmpo decided to clap back at Stephen A. Smith.

He posted a story on his official Instagram handle where he lined up all the accolades he has amassed along with the 2021 Larry O’Brien trophy. Along with that, he trolled the ‘underachiever’ tag Smith placed on him. Unsurprisingly, the Milwaukee Bucks’ official social media handles reposted the reel.

Giannis Antetokounmpo might not hear much from Stephen A. Smith anytime soon

This is not the first time a player or team has clapped back at Stephen A. Smith. Whenever the 57-year-old has a mic in front of him, everyone expects something controversial will come out of his mouth. Now, it seems the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and others might get a breather.

As per reports, with the arrival of Inside the NBA on ESPN, Smith will take a back seat, especially when it comes to covering the NBA. His recently-signed 5-year, $100 million contract will see him roll back on basketball talk and focus a lot more on the NFL.

As per sports media watchdog Awful Announcing, this could mean that the Queens native will have less opportunities to bark at NBA players and teams. He might not be running for president, but he has a lot on his plate, and will resume working on them when he returns from vacation in August.

Giannis Antetokounmpo loses close teammate to free agency

Despite all the trade rumors, chances are that Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay put with the Milwaukee Bucks. He knows he has a legacy there, which might not be the same once he leaves. At the same time, he is pushing the franchise to build a contender.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Image via NBA/X)

Last season was the third straight time the team lost in the 1st round of the playoffs. It marks a disappointing run for the team that largely consists of players from their 2021 title-winning campaign. However, over the past two seasons, some have left.

First it was Jrue Holiday, then it was Khris Middleton‘s turn, and now, Brook Lopez is gone. The 37-year-old was out of contract, and was rumored to head back West and reunite with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it turns out he ended up with the other team from Los Angeles on a two-year deal.

This move now leaves the Greek Freak as the sole remaining member of that core. Now he looks towards what the team can do to give him a new core with which he can win another title or two before he decides to step away from basketball.

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