A former NBA player, Marcus Morris, explained how negative fan reactions can push superstars toward leaving their teams, using Kyrie Irving's past in Boston as an example. He warned that similar pressure could one day influence Giannis Antetokounmpo's future despite his dominant play.
Fan reactions can have a real impact on superstar decisions, and former NBA player Marcus Morris believes public criticism can push even the biggest names toward leaving their teams.
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Speaking recently, Morris explained how boos from the crowd can change a star's mindset, using both Kyrie Irving and Giannis Antetokounmpo as examples.
Morris pointed back to Irving's time with the Boston Celtics. After two seasons in Boston, Irving's relationship with fans collapsed following broken expectations about re-signing. The boos that followed, according to Morris, changed everything.
“Last time I was on a team with a superstar & they booed him, he never got back right. With Kyrie in Boston, that’s why he wanted to leave… Soon as that happened, his whole energy changed. It was more so like he just felt so disrespected… When they get to booing you (Giannis) — & you’re a player that’s on the fence of leaving or not leaving — come on, bro. I’m out. I’m out for sure now,” Morris said on Morris Code Show.
While Irving ultimately left Boston, Morris noted that the criticism did not slow him down on the court. After moving on from Brooklyn, Irving found his rhythm again with the Dallas Mavericks and helped lead them to the NBA Finals.
Morris believes Giannis could face a similar situation if fan pressure ever turns negative in Milwaukee. In his view, boos and public doubt can quickly push a superstar toward thinking about his future elsewhere.
On the court, Giannis continues to play at an MVP level. In 27 games this season, he is averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 64.7 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three.
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