Giannis Antetokounmpo is a phenomenal player, there are no doubts about that. In his career, the Greek Freak has already won several accolades, including an NBA Championship last season.
Compared to the rest of the NBA, Giannis relies more on his inside scoring and sheer athleticism instead of heavily basing his game on three-point shooting. As a result, many hold him on the list of the most dominant NBA players. But saying that he is the most dominant NBA player ever? That might be a bit of a stretch.
Former NBA player now-turned analyst Kendrick Perkins said just that recently. Perkins said:
“When Giannis is finished he will go down as the most dominant player ever. Right now, that’s Shaquille O’Neal, but Giannis isn’t even 27 years old yet and when he’s finished with his career, at the rate that he’s going, the rate that he’s dominating the league right now, what he’s already achieved and the way that he keeps getting better
"I feel like Shaq is the most dominant player ever. But if Giannis Antetokounmpo just can stay healthy … he will go down as the most dominant player EVER."
—@KendrickPerkins 😳 pic.twitter.com/gdW9Qk98uB
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 18, 2021
Despite being pretty clear that Shaquille O’Neal currently holds the title of the most dominant player ever, Perkins still mentioned that when Giannis hangs his sneakers he will take that title from O’Neal.
Well, it seems this statement didn’t sit right with Stephen A. Smith. Smith was in utter disbelief when he heard Perkins say this. Smith said:
“What? Are you okay? Are you okay this morning?! Are you okay?! Hold on before you continue, I wanna make sure have you made all your requisite doctor’s appointments? Have you been checked out? Are you okay healthwise? I need to check all of this before we let you continue further. You just said that Giannis is the most dominant player ever. Is that what you just said?
Are you OK today @KendrickPerkins???? pic.twitter.com/YvirERc39j
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 18, 2021
While Perkins has always been known for his uncommon takes, this time around this might be a tad bit too much even for him. Furthermore, just a few months ago Perkins said that Shaq is the most dominant player ever and it’s not even close.
So it seems like the NBA analyst is having second thoughts about his own claims from the past.
