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Why Michael Wilbon ‘doesn’t believe in Giannis’ anymore
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- Why Michael Wilbon ‘doesn’t believe in Giannis’ anymore
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Winning a championship guarantees a superstar an eternal place in sports history, but it does not guarantee universal love. The only way to squash skepticism and criticism is by achieving consistent excellence. Former sportswriter and longtime ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon does not think Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has cleared that high bar .
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With the NBA offseason now underway, and trade rumors ramping up , many are wondering if Antetokounmpo can propel a franchise into title contention next year. Wilbon does not see the 2021 Finals MVP and two-time regular season MVP as the coveted prize he once was, however.
"I don't believe in Giannis anymore," the 2020 Curt Gowdy Media Award recipient said on "Pardon the Interruption," per the NBACentral X account. "Giannis is a rumor. Giannis hasn't done jack in the months that matter, which would be May and June, since 2021. Five years is forever in professional sports. Giannis is a multiple-time MVP, great player, a Hall of Famer, and as you said, a champion. He was that . I ain't seen evidence of it. A league, particularly the NBA, can pass you by."
Antetokounmpo boasts a scintillating blend of athleticism, size and power, but Wilbon thinks there will soon be more unique talents who possess eye-popping traits — mentioned incoming rookies AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson as future frontcourt fixtures. The Bucks legend still posts mammoth numbers, but injury problems and early playoff exits have prevented him from boosting his legacy to even more impressive heights.
The ambiguity surrounding his status with Milwaukee has turned plenty of people off and is undoubtedly one of the reasons for Wilbon's diminishing faith.
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"Giannis can look obsolete fairly quickly if he can't get his butt out there and contribute heavily, massively in May, June," he opined. "And I don't know {if he can do that}. I would not rearrange my franchise for Giannis."
Michael Wilbon does not believe the Boston Celtics should trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo , and he is also wary about the Miami Heat shipping out Tyler Herro for the Greek Freak. The idea of Pat Riley being hesitant to part ways with a player who is even more injury-prone is difficult to comprehend.
The nine-time All-NBA selection may not catapult the Heat to the upper echelon, but he is the alpha they have been missing since the ugly Jimmy Butler breakup. Although Antetokounmpo should be held accountable for some of the Bucks' postseason shortcomings, he and the franchise have both endured plenty of bad luck.
With the right roster, and a little more good fortune, perhaps No. 34 can reestablish himself as a force during the most important time of the year.
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Related: NBA rumors: Celtics insider dumps cold water all over Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chances
