By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Miroslav Raduljica has sparked a debate with his raw take on his former teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Speaking on the Ozbiljno Neozbiljni podcast on Sunday, the 38-year-old Serbian center looked back at their time together on the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2013–14 season. It was Giannis’s rookie year, and Raduljica got an early look at the engine that would eventually lead the Greek Freak to an NBA championship in 2021.
While he gave full credit to the superstar’s drive, Raduljica didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts on how he plays today. He feels the Bucks deserve immense credit for building the framework.
“He had a strong work ethic, and listened to everything they told him,” he explained how the franchise operated. “They can turn almost anyone into what they want them to be. They’re right 99% of the time. If they have a plan to develop someone into a player, they make it happen. Because I don’t think Giannis is some extraordinary basketball talent, but he has a talent for hard work, which is actually even more important. You need to have that ability to work hard, listen to what they tell you, and let them turn you into a beast.”
The veteran center, who won silver medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and EuroBasket 2009, besides logging 53 NBA career appearances, simply doesn’t enjoy the modern, power-heavy approach.
“I just can’t watch that. That’s not basketball to me. I’m mentioning him, because I know him, but the same goes for other players too,” he confessed. “You just charge at the basket, bulk yourself up like a beast, have incredible physical attributes, and jump over people, but you can’t make a three-pointer. You don’t have a jump shot or a single fake. You’ve just got that one euro step, and then you still jump over someone like you’re on stilts.”
Even so, the recently transitioned football player was careful to separate the player from the person. “I don’t mean any disrespect toward him. He’s a great guy, and I have nothing but respect for him,” he added.
As the debate over his physical style of play continues, Giannis is channeling his signature work ethic into a new chapter with the Miami Heat. Regardless of critics, the two-time Most Valuable Player remains single-mindedly focused on bringing a Larry O’Brien Trophy to South Beach.
Make