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[Saba Sports News] Damian Lillard is speaking out in support of his Milwaukee Bucks teammate, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, amid negative social media attention. In a recent interview with Complex Sports, Lillard highlighted the unwarranted criticism Thanasis faces online, emphasizing his dedication and hard work. Lillard argued that despite the jokes and memes, most critics couldn’t match Thanasis’s performance on the court, especially noting his defensive prowess and team-first attitude.
While acknowledging the argument that Thanasis might benefit from his brother Giannis Antetokounmpo’s success, Lillard pointed out that Thanasis’s contributions go beyond mere statistics. Critics often overlook the intangible qualities he brings to the team, such as his work ethic and solidarity, focusing instead on his average of 2.5 points per game over six NBA seasons and his less impressive shooting percentages.
Lillard’s defense of Thanasis underlines the importance of recognizing the value of a player’s overall impact on a team, beyond just their statistical output. Despite suggestions that Thanasis’s skill set might be more suited for the NBA G League or overseas play, Lillard insists on the respect and recognition Thanasis deserves as a committed team player and professional.