Damian Lillard has defended Bucks teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who has been trolled relentlessly for months over his rather frequent lowlights.
Lillard also addressed various claims of non-NBA players saying they could beat Thanasis in a game of 1-on-1.
“I see a lot of the stuff on social media about TA,” Lillard said in an interview with Complex. “It’s a lot of guys that, you know, might feel like they were more talented, have more ability, but they could never take his spot. You know, people try to be funny.
“I would put good money that a lot of people talking on Twitter wouldn’t be able to beat him one-on-one.”
Damian Lillard is telling NBA Twitter (X) to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to trolling Thanasis Antetokounmpo. 👀
LINK TO OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH DAMIAN LILLARD: https://t.co/Jm7tLvIjxZ pic.twitter.com/g82SJHeQMT
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 21, 2024
Lillard went on to explain what makes Thanasis valuable to the team.
“Defensively, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s aggressive, he’s physical. You’re not going to find a guy that’s more about the team .. He’s always in the weight room, he’s always on the court getting his work in. He’s the top of the line at his role on our team.
“I have a hard time seeing anybody coming in that could replace him at what he does for our team, and is also always ready to get in the game and do what he has to do. Being somebody that’s behind closed doors with him, I respect him a lot. And you know, I think if people got to know him, they wouldn’t be joking as much.”
The online criticism of Thanasis has been especially pointed due to the belief that he’s only in the NBA because of his superstar brother.
Thanasis has been a member of the Bucks since the 2019-20 season, with NBA career averages of 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game.
Before joining Milwaukee, he played for Greek pro team Panathinaikos.
READ MORE: Damian Lillard Opens Up After First Game Back in Portland
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