Charles Barkley is not shy when it comes to expressing his opinion - that's what he's paid for. But he seems to have a lot of love for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After the Bucks won the championship over the Suns last season he said, "If you’re not happy for Giannis Antetokounmpo, there’s something wrong with you. He represents everything that is great about basketball."
On Wednesday, Milwaukee eliminated the Chicago Bulls in Game 5 of their first-round series, a game in which Antetokounmpo led the way with 33 points, nine rebounds and three assists, but prior to the tip, Barkley gushed over the Greek Freak on TNT's Inside the NBA pregame show.
“There is no drama, he’s just a great person, and a great player,” Barkley said of Antetokounmpo. “He just comes to work and wants to play basketball. You’ve got to admire that.”
"Other than Tim Duncan, he's the most humble, quiet superstar I've ever been around."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 27, 2022
Chuck praises Giannis ahead of Game 5 in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/WChHFQ29yq
Barkley went on to compare Antetokounmpo to another superstar who was known more for just going about his business and getting the job done: Spurs legend Tim Duncan.
“Other than Tim Duncan, he’s the most humble, quiet superstar I’ve ever been around,” Barkley said.
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Duncan was known for downplaying himself, and focusing more on the team achievement, something that Antetokounmpo also does. The most recent example was after the Bucks' Game 5 win over the Bulls.
"I don't affect the game by scoring... I affect the game by playing hard, trying to block a shot, playing defense, creating for my teammates... lead them you know, be vocal" @Giannis_An34 on his approach to the game and trusting his teammates. pic.twitter.com/ZjTxHXdmea
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2022
Antetokounmpo will be hoping to also replicate some of The Big Fundamental's achievements, too.
Duncan won five championships, three Finals MVPs and two regular-season MVPs while with the Spurs.