Gilbert Arenas says Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't know basketball!...Stephen A. DISAGREES! | FT 

No one ever considers Defense in these discussions. Giannis is a tremendous defender and not because just out athletes people.

There's no way someone can be a champion, MVP, a defensive player of the year and not understand basketball

The goal of the game is to put the basketball through the hoop and to stop the other team from scoring. Giannis does both very well. It's not figure skating where you get extra points for finesse.

Gilbert arenas did such a good job “understanding” the game that he never made it past the 1st round

This sounds like James Harden all over again lmao 😂🤣🤣 Giannis is already more accomplished than both of them 💪🏾💯🔥

No disrespect to Gilbert Arenas but him downplaying Giannis is some of the goofiest nonsense lol

Gilbert Arenas "If you did not play in league you do not know anything" Also Gilbert Arenas "The best player in the league(who is probably 2-3 levels higher than I ever was) does not understand the game"

For once Stephen says something positive about Giannis. Yes, he’s a monster.

Anybody who's seen Giannis knows all he does is improve and figure out the game as he goes.

Didn’t realise you could win an NBA championship as the lead superstar of a non super team without understanding the game 🤷‍♂️

All Gilbert had to say was the part about imagining Giannis with Tim Duncan's IQ. Saying he doesn't understand basketball was extra, unnecessary and false lol. You don't achieve what Giannis has achieved without having an understanding of the game.

The quote "you will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you" has never been more true than now smh. The man is a monster on both ends of the court and has a championship with the team that drafted him. He didn't join any star or try to recruit any players. He put the team on his back and won. He not only knows basketball he is masterful at it. These players who criticize Giannis sound so stupid and are jealous of his success. Who with his height and length wouldn't be doing exactly what Giannis does which is get to the basket. Even though it's not the best he does shoot as well so what is it that he doesn't know someone plz tell me.

Look at the media cleaning up Gilbert stupidity, play the clip where he said he doesn’t know basketball and isn’t great coz he plays less minutes 🤣🤣.

Giannis is always improving, while Gilbert Arenas was out of the NBA by the time he turned 30. What a 🤡

Let me get this. A 7 footer with point guard ball handling skills, leading the league in scoring while arguably being the best defender in the league, while averaging almost 7 assists per game is not skilled and does not know the game of basketball? Gilbert needs to put the bong down... Didn't hear him say the same about Shaq.

What they are not acknowledging is the fact that Giannis was not always the physical specimen he was today. He came in as a smaller player with a very limited skill set. So in a way he did exactly what Gilbert Arenas had to do to adjust to the game physically, not leaving out how much he improves in other parts of his game each year. Just saying 🤷🏾‍♂️

Shaqs game was 85% physical no one said a thing about him

He knows how to stay healthy and that a nba player shouldn't bring a gun in the building..

"Give him Tim Duncan's knowledge... whole different player, isn't he?" You could say that about anybody. Not exactly providing new insight. And it works with any player and their strength. "Give so and so Yao Ming's height... whole different player, isn't he?" Well, yes.

Gilbert Arenas doesn't understand what it means to be a professional NBA player since he got bounced from he league for bringing something utterly dumb to a locker room. Giannis doesn't need to show the same nuance Gilbert spoke about because of his overwhelming physicality. Tim Duncan was uniquely cerebral and skilled. Giannis knows how to lead a team, is an astute defender, and a two-time MVP. Gilbert is historically irrelevant in comparison.

I’m a Gil fan but that’s 🧢. If Giannis retired today at 27 he would be a 1st ballot HOF .

Giannis Antetokounmpo does know the game he's the top big man

So called “experts” sounding more ridiculous than the “average fan” these days

Maybe If Gilbert had some of Giannis' knowledge he'd still be playing or at least have had a more memorable career.

Arenas has a lot to say for someone who has never been a MVP or a champion.

every player is unique. the best use their tools accordingly. There is no "right" way, to each their own

I think former/current players are jealous of Giannis's success at such a young age. His resume is already very impressive and he's got so many more years. Horrible take by Gilbert

Gilbert doesn’t even know what “knowing the game” is. Steven A will latch on to anyone criticizing Giannis since he has been trying for years to disrespect Giannis himself. “Knowing the game” has nothing to do with skills..ball handling or shooting or even Gilbert’s latest weird attempt at explaining that it is also knowing what to get away with. “Knowing the game” is knowing how to be efficient on offense..and with that it leads to better shots/less wasted possessions and also less wasted energy. It also means you understand how to involve ur teammates…when to..also knowing when to be more assertive yourself. It’s getting to the point you trust ur teammates in crucial moments and allow things to develop and come to you/ur team instead of forcing things/being impatient/hero ball. So as Gilbert babbles on and then Stephen A gives credence to his points……tell me…what evidence did Gilbert show as a player that “he knew the game”?? He won NOTHING”. He had 3 seasons of scoring between 25-29ppg but his shooting percentages in those seasons and all the rest of his career were ATROCIOUS…mid 40s…low 40s..high 30s. He was known as a gunner and zero defense. So Stephen A says well Gilbert isn’t totally wrong with his points because Gilbert knows the game LOL. His reason for saying that is because Gilbert had 3 seasons of scoring 25-29ppg 😂. So Giannis has 5 seasons and running of scoring 25 or more ppg …plus does it efficiently…plus lead Milwaukee to a title….but he still doesn’t quite know the game but Gilbert does. Both are ignorant to what Giannis does and what he knows. Anyone who tries to validate their points just shows they also don’t understand basketball. Don’t say you know the game if you don’t even understand what the definition is.

Stephen A being way too nice. What Gilbert said was mad disrespectful.

He’s won a championship with only 1 skill respect him, he’s just a poor boy with a small upbringing he’s already doing more than we all expected

Yeah but, Gilbert didn't explain it like that on his podcast. It came off as an insult and a joke to Giannis now he's trying to clean it up. Nobody said anything about Shaq not understanding the game when he was dominating physically, keep being biased towards foreign players though.😒

Gil should’ve just said that there’re ways that Giannis could maximise his game that he doesn’t or hasn’t applied yet, that if he did would be in the goat debate in a couple of years. But saying that Giannis DOESN’T understand or know basketball is crazy, definitely hating.

Imagine if Giannis really knew *basketball* then... 💀

The best part about this is that Giannis is too focused on improving to really hop on social media and reply to all these claims.

As a KD fan I appreciate a "skillful" game. You can call it having a "bag" too but people should stop disrespecting Giannis, saying he can't play basketball. All the things he does, takes a different type of skillset, especially on defense. People never critiqued Shaq for having no "skill", they just praised him for being dominant. Idk why people switch it up when talking about Giannis.

He averages 30 and 12 with 6 dimes what more do you want from the man

Stephen A: “Gilbert Arenas is not coming from a place of ignorance” Gilbert: ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME STEPHEN⁉️

He definitely know basketball now 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

Wasn’t a key part of his argument he’s not great because he plays less than 38 minutes, because he can get his team in a good spot so he’s not having to play constantly

Giannis is one of the greatest. Can’t wait for this season cause I know he’s going to another level.

Boy 😂 Gilbert just leave it alone. This is one you won’t win

This is laughable from Mr. Arenas. Most of these know-it-all "legends" wouldn't stand a chance if they played against Giannis. I don't understand why more legends aren't boosting him up. He's one of the only guys in the game today that still have that MJ/Kobe type mentality. He's famous for not being buddy buddy with other players in the league and focusing on the game. If that isn't old school, I don't know what is.

His game isn't all physical tho Especially on defense he knows exactly where he need to be on the floor and what he can and can't do Not only that but he understands how to use his team mates etc and his shooting have improved if this was 3 Years ago I would agree but he improved alot since skill wise

So let me see if i got this right... Gilbert Arenas, who is undoubtedly skilled and, according to him, "knows" the game of basketball has: 1. Never been an All-NBA first teamer, 2. Has less All-NBA and All-Star appearances than Giannis, 3. Has a lesser career scoring average than Giannis despite scoring being his best skill, 4. Only averaged less than an assist per game (career) more than Giannis despite being an actual point guard, 5. Did not even sniff any defensive accolade whatsoever, and most importantly, 6. Has not even experienced winning a playoff game outside of Round 1 In contrast, the Greek Freak who allegedly doesn't understand the game and therefore isn't great in basketball has: 1. 6x All-star appearances and counting, 2. 6x All-NBA selections (4 1st team) and counting, 3. 5x All-defensive selections (4 1st team) and counting, 4. 2x MVPs, 5. 1x DPOY, 6. 1x Finals MVP, 7. Has a MOST IMPROVED Player of the Year, FFS, 8. Averaged about 30/14/6 playing only 30mpg in 2020, 9. Averaged 28/11/6 at 33mpg in 2021, 10. Averaged 30/12/6 at 33mpg in 2022, 11. Averaged 40mpg in the 2021 Finals literally a week after severely hyperextending his knee, 12. Averaged 35 points in said Finals, again after literally suffering a potentially debilitating injury a week prior, 13. Scored 50 freaking points to clinch the title, shooting 64% from the field and 17/19 from the line after haters, like oh say Gilbert Arenas, said he can't be trusted to make big shots in big games, and for good measure, 14. Was selected to be on the 75th Anniversary team for what it's worth.

Naaa. ... Play what he said at first, this is the second time he said it but on this one he back peddling. Don't bail him out for making ridiculous takes.

why is he comparing him to a skill big like tim duncan instead of a dominant force like shaq?? like if you can dominate the game & be efficient w/out bending the rules and just playing as simply as possible, isn’t that more impressive?

Man Giannis is the best basketball player on the planet. Give that man his credit. Not his fault he’s 6’11, 240. That man is just using what he has and also skilled in other areas too. Y’all don’t say stuff like this about Shaq or Wilt. Dude is the best in the world. Stop tryna nitpick this man

This kind of statement seems to come from people who only watch highlights of Giannis and not full games. If they did, they'd realize he doesnt just stand by the dunker spot and mooch rebounds and put backs. Seriously, watch how much he moves, how he passes, how even his handle is so deadly when he has a full head of steam. People are literally acting like hes a big 7 foot oaf who falls into 20 pounds from bricks and missed layups.

This is an adjusted take....the whole thing of "scary" was added after the backlash of the initial take. Gilbert Arenas is disrespecting Janis period.

Gilbert knows the game so much he let Lebron talk him out of missing a free throw in a playoff game

All Gilbert is doing is repeating what Kobe said and trying to claim it as his own thoughts. A player of his caliber has no business even speaking on Giannis.

The most dangerous thing about Giannis is that he’s shown the propensity to get better every year. Look at his body too compared to when he first came in. A guy like Dwight Howard is the opposite, he never improved his skills and game and got washed up quickly. Time didn’t kill his game, it was him not ever developing anything, including his post game.

I think a lot of people are misinterpreting what Gilbert was saying he's not saying giannis doesn't understand the game of basketball he understands the basic he's talking about the mental side of the game the tricks of the trade that's what he's talking about.

Stephen A smith , Giannis will always prove you wrong . He's the best player on the planet and he still getting better. Keep up the hating and the propaganda that giannis is not skilled enough and you will make him more popular and likable than ever . And while you're praying on his downfall he will always prove you wrong ..

I didn't even know this was an issue, Giannis is an all-star on a bad day and is only improving every year. I wonder where all this hate comes from?

Tons of respect for Gilbert as someone who grew up around DC, but I don't think Gilbert can really speak on Giannis considering Giannis led his team to a championship and Gilbert never even made it out the first round of the playoffs.

Gilbert arenas was good for a year or two he shouldn't be talking trash because he never won anything ANYTHING Gianni's is a champion and an MVP

If gainnis doesn't understand basketball yet imagine what's going to happen when he does 😂😂😂

At the end of the day who has accomplished more and has more impact on the court. Giannis has shown that he is a force which will help you win games, instead of these skilled players that have won none or need other pieces to do so.

hearing what molly said at the end of the segment was hilarious 😂😂😂

Giannis got too many haters

Gilbert is flat wrong. His objectivity is completely off. He made it to the second round of playoffs only once!

I'm a huge fan of Giannis I respect his passion and hard work ethic. He's been working hard on his game each year adding something new each season. First it was the weight issues to be able to withstand the physical activity of the whole season. He got in the weight room and took the right necessary steps to improve his overall weight. Then they started building the wall with Toronto and Miami he figured that out these past two seasons his range started being more consistent but he still needs more work with his jump shot and free throws n But I understand why Gilbert says that he has to understand the game inside of the game starting with the ref , prepared for the opposing team coach defense plan for him. Understanding tendencies of coaches and players. Sports are 90% mental and 10% physical. This season I hope breaking down the films of the postseason to analyze his mistakes and where he kouldve changed his style to win the series against Boston.

Amazing how Antetokounmpo is an underrated player STILL (but he's 2x MVP, Finals MVP,, DPOY thus far).

Ther is no way you became 2 time mvp a finals mvp with the best performance ever in a finals defensive player of the year and still doesn’t knowing the game? Wow that’s disrespectful af…..giannis could literally win 6 chips in a row and people still holding him back. And just because he is not American…i never saw this bs about shaq or wilt….physicality is a really important part of the game and if you are able to impose your physics is because you are skilled enough for do it. Thes people look like the never play the game they are paid for talk about

You can't fool me, Gilbert insulted Giannis with every intent to put him down

The goal of basketball is to score and stop the other team from scoring. Giannis has been in the top 5 for PPG with great efficiency for the past five years. He is also one of the best on-ball and help defenders in the league. He understands the game most definitely AND how he can use his advantages to be dominant on both sides of the ball. Of course there is always more to learn and improve upon so I get where Arenas was going, but I think the headline for his take is what I’m having trouble getting on board with.

Remember when Toronto built “the wall” and stumped Giannis in the playoffs? Then Giannis added a whole bunch of tools to his bag to allow him to shoot more ranged shots, pass more efficiently, and be able to create favorable isolation plays when there are numerous defenders? All Giannis does is see problems and overcome them. I would say he understands the game and also understands what his strengths and weaknesses are.

And what he accomplished in the NBA exactly?

I actually agree with the take, Giannis is already the best player in the league but imagine if he understood almost every aspect of the game. Dude could be LBJ x10.

I think it's not what he doesn't know, but his room for growth. We have to be more careful of how we say things because it could come off as hate!

How can anyone see a 50 pt, 10 reb, 5 blk performance in a title-clinching game and say he doesn't know basketball?!

At this everyone just talks 😴 Respect GA simple

My question is what knowledge is Giannis lacking at the moment?

He understands his game. He understands his talents and capabilities. He understands how to play harder than everyone else while he is on the floor. He is a Champion.

It honestly just comes down to the fact that, Giannis is dominating and still ain’t done. All the media can do now is knit pick. It’s scary how good of a player Giannis is, and it’s even scarier that he still has such a high ceiling of growth left. If he gets anyone like a Damian lillard to offload the pressure of play making from him and jrue….. I feel bad for the league….💯

Did he say his game hasn’t improved? And he hasn’t worked on his body? 😂😂😂😂😂 I can’t take anything he ever says again seriously. He clearly has an agenda and so do a lot of other people when it comes to the freak.

The very essence of sports is based on being physically gifted. Gilbert's criticism would be more suited for a purely physical low IQ player like Westbrook. Giannis is not in that category.

I think people pretend he isn't improving. His passing is great now and he is a much-improved shooter. I don't even want to mention the pretend fade away off the back board dunk thing he invented.

In order to be a great defender and win DPOY imo you HAVE to have an understanding for reading offenses and you opponent.

They skipped a lot of the nonsense Gil said - can’t take care of his body, not great because he’s not playing 40+ minutes etc. It’s just hating

Gilbert Has Gone 🤯

The thing is he even said he’s a good player they said him being 1 or 2 is scary n just said he needs to understand it better to get more points and become even greater

Gilber understood the game so much he brought a game to the game

He's saying that he's the best guy in basketball with his current level of knowledge. Imagine once he's more seasoned with the mental part of the game. It's not a knock on Giannis. He even says that much.

Gilbert can't say ish! He ain't got a ring!

😅😅 the shot at end 😂

"There will always be haters. And the more you grow the more they hate; the more they hate the more you grow"

Gilbert is right Af Giannis literally just powers through everything with not much skill dude has one move and won a championship against a weak team he has a lot of improvement to do Gill didn’t say anything that’s not facts. Too many sweet candy cane kids that have never played sports at all don’t know how to take constructive criticism you immediately think it’s hate because you’re soft af. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I'm glad this was clarified I only heard a portion of his comment before..however I disagree you don't win Back to back MVPs DPOY and lead your team to a championship without knowing the game & if I'm not mistaken he has a most improved trophy as well he should be the face of the league right now but I guess he's not polished enough for some folks..he'll get there..trust me ...

molly with the absolute VIOLATION at the end😂😂😂

agreed so he needs that knowledge . and yes he will grow but if he could have the 1on1s now and sit downs with them hall of fame kings.. he would be ahead of his and nba players time.. with that having a high rate of a chance to secure 7 rings

some "know" the game... and only a few know to WIN the game...

Everyone is so bitter and randomly tries to hate on Giannis. As a warriors fan I have no stake in this, but Giannis is the best player in the game and has been for the past 2-3 years in my eyes. His defensive IQ and will to win are elite.

The fundamental issue that I have with democracy is that people like Arenas have an opinion..

I understand what Gilbert is saying Giannis skill set and fundamentals isn’t where it should be. Like foot work, post move, shooting and reading plays.

The quote "you will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you" has never been more true

Giannis on goat trajectory but we'll see how long he stays healthy and how many more rings he gets

For the sake of argument, let’s just say that anything Arenas said was true: Okay then. He doesn’t have to know. If he doesn’t know, and yet he’s still this dominant, then the league has some learning to do themselves.

Gilbert Arenas understands basketball so much that he thought bringing a gun in the locker room is okay with the NBA rules. 🤣