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Giannis Antetokounmpo Says He Would Team Up With Michael Jordan Or Kobe Bryant For A Christmas Day Game
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

In a recent interview, Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed his dream Christmas Day game partners by choosing the legendary Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar expressed deep respect and admiration for Jordan and Kobe, recognizing the immense honor it would be to share the court with these two legends

"First of all, I love Charles Barkley. He’s one of the GOATs, one of the greatest players to ever play this game. I have to pick Michael Jordan. If I could be teammates with Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant for the day."

Antetokounmpo's selection of Jordan and Kobe Bryant reflects a generational contrast, showcasing the Greek Freak's appreciation for two basketball icons. Both Jordan and Antetokounmpo are known for their exceptional scoring abilities, with the latter achieving back-to-back MVP awards and leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years.

While Giannis acknowledges his love for Charles Barkley, another NBA legend, he ultimately chose Jordan, recognizing him as a basketball deity.

The dream pairing adds excitement to the hypothetical Christmas Day matchup, emphasizing the significance of playing alongside basketball legends. Giannis highlighted the honor it would be to be teammates with Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant for a day, underlining their impact on the sport and their lasting legacies.

Antetokounmpo is coming off a stellar season, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting an impressive 57.3% from the field. The Bucks are currently on a seven-game winning streak, and with the addition of All-NBA guard Damian Lillard, they aim to contend for another championship.

As the Bucks continue their quest for success, the dream scenarios imagined by fans, such as a Christmas Day game featuring Giannis alongside Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, add a touch of magic to the basketball world.

Evan Turner Claims Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Not A Top 5 Player

Former NBA player Evan Turner has stirred controversy by asserting that Giannis Antetokounmpo does not rank among the top five players in the league. Turner shared his views after witnessing the Milwaukee Bucks' victory over the New York Knicks, acknowledging Giannis' success but omitting him from his personal top five list.

In the statement, Turner commended Giannis for displaying a championship mindset and confidence but insisted he still doesn't place him within the elite top five players. 

Giannis has proven to be a force for the Bucks, taking on substantial offensive and defensive responsibilities, particularly after the departures of Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen. Despite the addition of Damian Lillard to the team, Giannis remains the primary difference-maker for Milwaukee.

Contrary to Turner's opinion, there is a widely recognized top five in the NBA this season, with Giannis prominently featured. In an ESPN straw poll for MVP candidates, Giannis secured the third position, ahead of notable players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but trailing behind Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.

Evan Turner has a history of critical remarks directed at Giannis, often attempting to undermine the achievements of the Greek Freak. This includes mocking him for various reasons, such as the game-ball incident and insinuating that nobody wanted to work out with him during the offseason.

Despite Turner's recurring criticisms, Giannis Antetokounmpo's on-court success, which includes two MVP awards and leading the Bucks to an NBA championship, speaks volumes. Turner's refusal to acknowledge Giannis among the top five players might be rooted in personal biases, but Giannis continues to prove his worth on the basketball court.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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