So we just gonna pretend like Gilbert Arenas didn't just say something stupid?

[Nate505]

Saying something controversial gets more likes and views. Honestly I'm starting to believe that this is the NBA's new angle on things with this being the summer of cap. Now let's all tune into TNT this fall for more drama.

I used to think that everything associated with the World Wide Web was good and it was great that everybody had access to a platform where they could easily he heard by millions of people rather than hoping the main media outlets gave it to you. Now I can't believe I actually miss when not every Tom, Dick and Harry with a podcast or YT channel was able to get coverage and attention. It's too many voices now.

It really is an interesting place. Is society better off with a 2-3 outlets controlling our media/entertainment consumption, or is it better when millions have a platform? In theory almost everyone would say the latter...but having lived thru both, I'm not that sure about it anymore.

[RSP83]

It's all about result. Giannis got the job done, and he did it admirably. It's just regular old school hard work, focus, and patience. He's blessed with physical gift, and he doesn't let it waste away. Arenas talk about Giannis poor IQ, maybe he's right, but EQ is also very important and Giannis IMO has really high EQ.

Giannis has done everything you can ask for as far as being a professional ball player. He works on his craft every summer and lead his team to win a championship. He deserves to be respected more by former players.

[JonFromVA]

I'd just point out that Giannis played a lot of minutes in losses, and it's possible he wasn't prepared well to up his minutes as Arenas insinuates.

Its not necessarily about conditioning so much as approach. LeBron conserved energy so he could play as long as was necessary, Westbrook at his best in OKC played hard for his 32 minutes, contributed when on the floor, then would watch his team lose when he sat.

Anyway when the supposed best player isn't holding up a trophy at the end of the season, there will always be questions.

[skones]

I mean, when you say things like his back to the basket game or midrange game haven't gotten better? Those are ludicrous takes and just flat out false. His footwork has improved leaps and bounds and he was one of the more effective mid range shooters in the league last season while taking 20% of his shots in those areas. If you want to claim you're observing with so much nuance, then actually acknowledge the nuance added.

[RyderMike]

Giannis is a bad player because his team is good enough that he can take a 5 minute break each half and only play 32-35 minutes per game. Guess Steph Curry is equally bad at basketball because he only averaged 32-35 minutes a game the past few seasons as well

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Nah, he was a great player prior to his knee injury. Arenas the player will always be relevant.

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[NZB2323]

I’m not pretending he didn’t say it, I’m just not surprised that he said it. Arenas is stupid so I expect him to say stupid things.

[skones]

Nah, he was a great player prior to his knee injury. Arenas the player will always be relevant.

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To Wizards fans sure, to everyone else? It was a three year run, and one appearance in the second round. He's a blip on the radar.

[Soca]

That's kind of his thing. So nothing out of the ordinary.

[tsirigoj]

Giannis doesn't have the skill of a LeBron, Durant, or even Curry.

But with THAT being said, on work ethic, physical ability, talent, and WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP alone, he's earned his right to be in that conversation.

If Giannis does get the basketball IQ and works on some of his skills a bit more as to not rely on his athleticism (which is super-elite), he would be far and beyond the best player in the world.

I KINDA get what Arenas is saying, but yes, he isn't giving Giannis nearly enough credit (the fact about Giannis not having the work ethic boggles my mind...maybe Arenas hasn't heard the stories).

[MagicFan12345]

Gilbert is an idiot and Giannis should shove a basketball up Gilbert's ass

[NZB2323]

Nah, he was a great player prior to his knee injury. Arenas the player will always be relevant.

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Arenas is a 3x all-star who never made an all-NBA 1st team and he won 1 playoff series. He is most famous for being suspended for bringing guns into a locker room and then being the first NBA player to be amnestied.

[Cubbies2120]

Gilbert is an idiot and Giannis should shove a basketball up Gilbert's ass

That's kinda weird bro.

[AussieBuck]

Giannis doesn't have the skill of a LeBron, Durant, or even Curry.

But with THAT being said, on work ethic, physical ability, talent, and WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP alone, he's earned his right to be in that conversation.

If Giannis does get the basketball IQ and works on some of his skills a bit more as to not rely on his athleticism (which is super-elite), he would be far and beyond the best player in the world.

I KINDA get what Arenas is saying, but yes, he isn't giving Giannis nearly enough credit (the fact about Giannis not having the work ethic boggles my mind...maybe Arenas hasn't heard the stories).

Giannis is cleary more skilled than Durant.

[NO-KG-AI]

I'd just point out that Giannis played a lot of minutes in losses, and it's possible he wasn't prepared well to up his minutes as Arenas insinuates.

Its not necessarily about conditioning so much as approach. LeBron conserved energy so he could play as long as was necessary, Westbrook at his best in OKC played hard for his 32 minutes, contributed when on the floor, then would watch his team lose when he sat.

Anyway when the supposed best player isn't holding up a trophy at the end of the season, there will always be questions.

Arenas says a lot of dumb stuff about the why, but I do think the Bucks would be better if Giannis played 36-40 minutes at 85% of instead of 30-32 minutes at 100%. Learning to pick your spots and defend and score intelligently without burning yourself out might not make your per minute stats as pretty, but your team having you out there for closer to 80% of the game as opposed to 60% of it is massive. Giannis just being on the floor will make his team immensely better, even if he's not going full blast. I don't think it's an issue of his body can't handle it because of physical limitations, you just can't be conditioned to play 40 minutes consistently when your body and your mindset has been conditioned for 30 minutes all season long. It's a big difference.

That said, hard to criticize a guy for playing too hard, or wanting to go pedal to the metal all the time. It's an admirable trait, and part of what has made him improve his game so damn much. Nobody is perfect. I'd rather a guy play way too hard with infectious energy as a star player as opposed to the opposite, a guy always coasting and going easy.

[Johnny Bball]

Anyone that truly thinks Gilbert Arenas is stupid or an idiot should do some real soul searching first.

[JN61]

OP, you know like 99% of wouldn't pay any attention or would have any idea of this of you didn't post it. Arenas isn't actually very good source for basketball takes and nobody really follows him anyway. So you bringing up subject just gives him increased platform to speak on.

[JN61]

Anyone that truly thinks Gilbert Arenas is stupid or an idiot should do some real soul searching first.

He certainly isn't a smart person. That we know.

[Ryoga Hibiki]

It sounds very stupid, but who's he kmparing Giannis to?
He's saying that he's not at Goat level or that there are players TODAY that are on another tier compared to him?

Btw, the minutes part is just stupid.

___
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[baldur]

Finna*