Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has seen himself getting taken down by super physical defense without getting appropriate whistles but he is not shying away from it. In fact, he wants the league to allow more physicality.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
‘Foul merchant’ has been thrown a lot lately by fans and some analysts. It was attributed to Nikola Jokic, 2025 season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and even Jalen Brunson.
Antetokounmpo has the most free throws per game in the 2024-2025 season, averaging around 10 attempts per outing.
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Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The two-time MVP says the league could use more physicality and prevent players from manipulating the game. He made the statement during a live show by his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo back in March, long before the playoffs was held and Bucks’ exit in the first round.
Giannis Antetokounmpo thinks he’ll thrive in a physical game
“Anybody that knows knows and knows how I play, I love to play physical. I would just love the game to be a little more physical like how it was back in the day,” he said when asked by veteran Bucks commentator Jim Paschke about one thing he would change in the league.
“I think it would fit my game better. That’s pretty much it. I really appreciate the NBA the way it is but if I could change something, I just feel like it’s becoming a little bit more softer and softer and softer.”
Giannis went on to recall how different the league was when he was a rookie.
Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“When I came to the league, which wasn’t long ago – 2013 – it was way, way more physical than what it is today. Players could not manipulate the game as much like head snaps and like ripping to get a three or like stop and go.”
Antetokounmpo is the second most fouled player in the NBA, next to Houston Rockets’ Steve Adams. The latter’s case, however, is a case of hack-a-shaq strategy unlike Giannis who gets fouled trying to get a shot.
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