Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be suiting up in this year’s NBA All-Star game, but he was still there today to coach the annual Celebrity All-Star Game. The event began as expected, except for some subtle jabs thrown toward Shams Charania. With the NBA reporter as one of his celebrity players, Giannis couldn’t resist the opportunity to get a bit of payback.
Richard Jefferson: “Your team is not fair!”
Giannis: “You know why it’s not fair?”
RJ: “Why?”
Giannis: “Cus we have Shams on my team. He cannot hoop! But everybody else can hoop.”
“He cannot hoop.” 😂
Giannis on Shams. pic.twitter.com/wYIamBqfsV
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 14, 2026
Giannis was clearly throwing shade at the NBA insider here, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. For months, the Greek Freak has been subject to relentless trade rumors perpetuated by Shams and other media members. Despite denying wanting off the Bucks several times, Shams has repeatedly reported his desire for a trade.
In fact, according to Shams, Giannis fell just short of forcing his way out this season. With a burning desire to win at the highest levels, Antetokounmpo was reportedly not sold on the Bucks’ ability to compete for the title. That’s apparently why teams like the Knicks, Warriors, and Heat tried to make a run for him before the deadline. Of course, Giannis never ended up going anywhere, and he says that it’s the outcome he always wanted.
Now that the deadline is over, Giannis is taking his victory lap at Shams’ expense. He’s been trolling him all week, including by inserting his name in imaginary rumors. Judging by the look that Shams gave Giannis during the game, his patience was clearly wearing thin.
Shams staring down Giannis 👀 pic.twitter.com/llPdA9IvA4
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 14, 2026
As one of the best reporters in the business, you can’t blame Charania for covering the news. From his perspective, he’s only doing his job, which famously involved being plugged in and available for 12+ hours a day. He was even seen on his phone while on the bench at the Celebrity Game.
Shams on his phone in the middle of the NBA celebrity game 😅
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026
This may be the first time in NBA history that a rivalry is forming between a player and a media member. For now, nobody knows how far this will escalate, but the tension is palpable. After so long being unwillingly included in rumors, Giannis is seizing the moment to give Shams a taste of his own medicine, and the results have been hilarious to watch.
As for whether or not Giannis gets traded, it’s completely up in the air. As people around the league call for him to leave Milwaukee, his loyalty has never been more in doubt. But if he does end up in a different jersey this summer, it will be the ultimate vindication for Charania, who would end up proven right.
