By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo reacted with humility when Erik Spoelstra compared his passing to Magic Johnson.
The new Miami Heat forward welcomed the words. However, he made it clear that he is focused entirely on the team’s title pursuit. He downplayed the comparison, calling Johnson the best point guard ever. The praise followed a strong opener in the NBA Preseason 2026.
“It’s a great compliment,” he said after team practice on Monday. “But I think I’m far away from Magic Johnson. One of the, if not the best, point guard to ever play this game.”
The former champion with the Bucks in 2021 did not come to Florida for individual accolades. He joined the Heat to win another ring. The transition from Milwaukee is a major shift, but he is adjusting quickly.
“When you know that you play with competitors and guys that play the right way and love to play the game, I think everything is easy after that,” mentioned Giannis.
The training process moves fast with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Kaseya Center on Thursday, following the annual Red, White & Pink Game on Tuesday.
“We have to go there and be locked in, try to put on a show, engage as much as we can with the fans, and I hope to have a good experience,” the Greek superstar said of the scrimmage.
The 2026–27 Regular Season starts on October 21. They host the Minnesota Timberwolves to begin the 82-game schedule.
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