ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe rips Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo for nepotism

Shannon Sharpe didn’t sugarcoat his emotions about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks actuality.

The ESPN character referred to as out the two-time NBA MVP — who’s been vocal about doubtlessly leaving Milwaukee for a greater state of affairs to win — and accused him of nepotism by securing roster spots for his brothers, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Alex Antetokounmpo.

“You bought your brothers occupying two roster spots,” Sharpe stated throughout Wednesday’s installment of “First Take,” earlier than asking: “Are we gonna discuss that?

“You already know good and nicely, Giannis, your brothers in all probability not going to be taking part in for another crew within the NBA besides Milwaukee, and that’s solely due to you.

“So you retain speaking about surrounding your self with expertise — there’s two spots being occupied by your brothers.”

In the meantime, “First Take” star Stephen A. Smith couldn’t comprise his laughter over Sharpe’s feedback.

Nevertheless, some on X took issue with Sharpe as a consequence of the truth that solely one of many Antetokounmpo brothers, 31-year-old Thanasis, really occupies a roster spot in Milwaukee.

Alex, who’s the youngest Antetokounmpo, was signed and waived by Milwaukee in September after which once more final month.

Thanasis — a 6-foot-7 small ahead, who was a second-round decide by the Knicks within the 2014 NBA Draft — spends most of his time on the bench.

He averaged 1.4 factors and 1.2 rebounds, whereas capturing 43.5 p.c final season.

He was a part of the Bucks’ roster that gained a championship within the 2021, when Giannis was named Finals MVP.

Sharpe was reacting to latest feedback made by Giannis on the “48 Minutes” Bleav podcast, throughout which the NBA star referred to as himself a winner — and defined he’s ready to go away Milwaukee for a greater state of affairs if he doesn’t see a dedication to profitable from his present crew.

“So long as we play and we method the sport each single day the precise approach and all of us sacrifice for a standard objective, I can see myself being with the Milwaukee Bucks for the remainder of my profession,” the 28-year-old stated. 

“However the second I really feel like persons are not dedicated as I’m to get that golden factor within the again … I’m a Milwaukee Buck, however most significantly, I’m a winner. I wish to win.

“I’ve to do no matter it takes for me to win, and if there’s a higher state of affairs for me to win the Larry O’Brien [championship trophy] I’ve to take that higher state of affairs.”

Throughout Wednesday’s “First Take,” Sharpe advocated on behalf of the Bucks new head coach, Adrian Griffin, who took over after Mike Budenholzer was fired in Could.

“You bought a brand new coach, Adrian Griffin, give him an opportunity,” Sharpe stated. “You gave Mike Budenholzer an opportunity.”

The Bucks play their first preseason sport Oct. 8 after they host the Chicago Bulls.