No, Devin Booker wasn't disrespecting Giannis Antetokounmpo with comment

Some questioned the wisdom of Antetokounmpo taking that shot rather than a better outside shooter like his Bucks teammate, Khris Middleton.

The viral quote came after the game from Booker, who said he felt Phoenix was in good shape when Giannis pulled up from midrange.

The quote looked on the surface like Booker was disrespecting Giannis. However, the context softens things.

Booker was saying that it was Phoenix’s strategy to try to keep Giannis out of the paint and force him to an outside shot. They were successful in executing their strategy, which is why he was happy.

It’s not exactly breaking news that Antetokounmpo is a beast attacking the basket and that it’s good practice to try to keep him out of the paint. But that’s not easy to do, which is why defenses should feel happy when they are able to do it.