Bucks Zone

Damian Lillard defends Thanasis Antetokounmpo from online bashing

"A lot of those people talking on Twitter wouldn't be able to beat him in the game of one-on-one."

Matthew Dugandzic

© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Thanasis Antetokounmpo has been a hot topic on social media, albeit for the wrong reason. Fans have been critical of Thanasis, with some accusing that he was only able to earn a spot at the Milwaukee Bucks because of his brother Giannis.

Dame got TA’s back

Quick to defend Thanasis from the online hate was Damian Lillard, who talked about the issue in an interview with Complex Sports.

“Here’s the thing about TA. People try to be funny but I would put good money that a lot of those people talking on Twitter wouldn't be able to beat him in the game of one-on-one. Like his defensively, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s competitive. It’s disrespectful. I see a lot of stuff on social media about TA, there’s people who think they are more talented or have more ability, but they could never take his spot. You're not going to find a guy that's more about the team and shows up and works hard,” Dame said.

Vouching for Thanasis’ work ethic

Lillard expressed his high regard for TA, whom he said is irreplaceable in terms of the impact that he brings to the Bucks. Dame describes the oldest Antetokounmpo brother as a great locker room guy who puts in the work. That’s why, for Dame Time, it is unfair that some people judge Thanasis.

“He’s always in the weight room, always on the court getting his work in. He says the right stuff to the team. He has locker room energy every day. I mean, he's the top of the line at his role on our team. And I have a hard time thinking anybody could replace him at what he does for our team. It’s easy to talk on the internet, but being somebody that’s behind closed doors with him, I respect him a lot. I think if people got to know him and got to see what he puts into it, they wouldn’t be joking as much,” Lillard.

Drafted by the New York Knicks as the No. 51 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Thanasis has played for the Bucks in the past five seasons. He is part of the Bucks team that won the NBA championship in 2021.

On the season, TA has already played 23 games with averages of 1.0 points, 0.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks in a meager 4.6 minutes of playing time per game.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.