Mar 24, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

ESPN Star Facing Backlash From NBA Fans For Giannis Antetokounmpo Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 6:51 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo has had one of the best careers in NBA history.

After being selected with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks legend turned into an all-time great.

On Friday, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith made a comment about the two-time MVP (via First Take).

Molly Qerim: "What's one word you would use to describe Giannis's career if he doesn't win another title?"

Smith: "Underachiever."

.@stephenasmith's one word to describe Giannis' career if he doesn't win another championship: "underachiever."

"You don't look at somebody that dominant, that fantastic, with that kind of fire in his belly to compete, on a night in night out basis and all you have is one… pic.twitter.com/ZgrMx0KAPP
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 13, 2025

Many people did not like the comment.

@BolWrld: "Ragebait for views is sad at this point please explain how this is a “underachiever”

If we’re talking about real Underachievers, talk about Melo, Paul George, Chris Paul etc"

@HPbasketball: "Celebrate basketball one time ESPN challenge."

Justin Termine: "He's already a massive over-achiever.

He didn't have to bounce around to big markets trying to team up with other stars trying to chase a title.

His one title in MIL > His peers winning multiple titles on player created super teams."

@Lebronin1: "This is coming from a guy that scored 1 PPG in college"

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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