Giannis Antetokounmpo has already established himself as a great player. His freakish athleticism has helped him reach incredible milestones at 26 years old, but the comparisons have started.
Like many before him, he will be judged by his achievements and Richard Jefferson has echoed that thought while speaking with Malika Andrews on NBA Today. Kendrick Perkins and JJ Reddick were also present on the show and gave their thoughts on Giannis’ greatness.
Perkins is particular about Giannis’ dominance, stating that he could dominate in the same way LeBron did for a decade. A few days ago, he made a bold statement about Giannis surpassing Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal to become the most dominant player in league history.
Jefferson, in the past, has been appalled by comparisons with Anthony Davis and has now clearly stated the company he believes Giannis should be a part of.
“This is the unfairness of greatness. Like he’s [Giannis Antetokounmpo] already got Most Improved Player. He’s already won two MVPs, we already know the company. He will only be judged on this day forward on how many championships he wins. That’s it. Very similar to LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson. He is one of the greats, he’s going to continue to be one of the greats.”
He added:
“And so right now, will he win two and fall in the line of an Hakeem Olajuwon? Will he win four and fall in the line of LeBron? Will he get to five or six like Kobe or MJ? That is the only place for him to go. So every year he doesn’t win a championship, it will literally be a disappointment very similar to Bron.”
.@KendrickPerkins says Giannis Antetokounmpo could dominate the NBA like LeBron did for the past decade.
"[LeBron] was dominating for a long period of time. … Giannis could do that. … He could run the table. He has the ability to." pic.twitter.com/dkbXMpuhyB
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 23, 2021
Reddick has been vocal about not ruling out Giannis yet as an MVP candidate, despite Stephen Curry’s recent run of form. With his 47-point game against the Lakers, he was convinced that Giannis is out for blood every night.
It is an honor in itself to be included in a conversation with names like LeBron, Kobe, and Jordan. Nonetheless, the Greek Freak deserves all the praise for his efforts so far as a professional basketball player in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo’s rise to glory has been inspirational, to say the least. The 6-11 point-forward has been on an upward trajectory since he won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2017, and does not look like he will be slowing down soon. So far in the 2021-22 season, he is averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1,9 blocks.
