Bucks’ Damian Lillard Defends Thanasis Antetokounmpo Amid Constant Trolling

Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo has made the rounds on social media more than ever this season. Some fans and media members have constantly trolled the older brother of star Giannis Antetokounmpo for various head-scratching plays when he gets on the court. He even found himself in the top spot on Shaquille O’Neal’s Shaqtin’ a Fool, a segment on TNT’s Inside the NBA that highlights some of the most viral plays as recently as mid-February.

But in the eyes of Milwaukee’s other star, offseason addition Damian Lillard, the topic of the 31-year-old forward is far from a laughing matter. Lillard spoke about Thanasis in a recent interview with West Wilson of Complex and offered only the highest praise for his teammate.

“Here’s the thing about TA. People try to be funny but I would put good money that a lot of those people talking on Twitter wouldn’t be able to beat him in the game of one-on-one.” Lillard said.

“Like … defensively. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s competitive. It’s disrespectful. I see a lot of stuff on social media about TA, there’s people who think they are more talented or have more ability but they could never take his spot. You’re not going to find a guy that’s more about the team and shows up and works hard.”

Lillard went on to state that he has a “hard time” thinking there’s anyone who could replace what the younger brother of Giannis brings to the team in terms of energy and the work he puts in.

The older Antetokounmpo has been with the Bucks since the 2019–20 season but has never averaged more than 9.9 minutes per game. That high-water mark came in 2021–22 when he posted marks of 3.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 54.7% from the field.