Gilbert Arenas slams Giannis Antetokounmpo: 'He doesn't understand basketball yet' / News - Basketnews.com

Gilbert Arenas isn't at all convinced that Giannis Antetokounmpo belongs to the NBA elite. The retired player once again argued that the 'Greek Freak' doesn't understand the game of basketball.

Credit: Tim Heitman/Getty Images/AFP Credit Tim Heitman/Getty Images/AFP

Gilbert Arenas has retired from the NBA since 2012, but makes sure his presence is still felt; not as a player, but as a popular voice across various media platforms.

Gilbert Arenas

Position:PG, SGAge:40Height:193 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Los Angeles, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Arenas has lashed out at different athletes throughout his time in front of the camera. Roughly 20 months ago, in December 2020, 'Agent Zero' took his time to fire some shots at Giannis Antetokounmpo during his appearance on the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast.

Back then, the Greek Freak was the reigning NBA MVP, on his way to his first championship with the Milwaukee Bucks.

When Arenas was asked on what Giannis needs to do in order to win his much-desired title, Arenas exclaimed that he needs to learn how to play basketball, afterwards calling the Greek star player as the 'James Harden of the Eastern Conference'.

"Learn how to play basketball. To be honest, he's the James Harden of the East Coast. You have a guy who's not a point guard, who dominates the ball and he's playing one style,” Arenas responded.

In a recent conversation with Lakers' assistant coach Phil Handy, the former Wizards star argued that Giannis might have led his team to a championship already but he has yet to understand the game of basketball.

"The media says he's the best player in the league. Not even close, just stop it!" the three-time All-Star player said.

"I can look at his game and say he doesn't understand basketball yet. He plays the sport, he won a championship, cool! But he doesn't understand how to be better, how to train his body.

To be at the top, you have to train your body at least 38 minutes and above. LeBron played 37 minutes at 37. Allen Iverson was playing 43 minutes", the 40-year-old retired player concluded.

Arenas played 11 seasons for 4 teams (Warriors, Wizards, Magic, Grizzlies). His career averages were 20.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 552 regular season games and over 35 minutes per contest. He was a second-round pick in the 2001 Draft.

By comparison, Giannis Antetokounmpo has played 9 seasons for the Bucks. He has averaged 21.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 656 regular-season games and an average playing time of 32.6 minutes.

He was selected to play in 6 All-Star games. He has won one Most Improved Player award, one Defensive Player of the Year award, 2 MVP awards, one Finals MVP award and the NBA championship in 2021.

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