Kevin Garnett, the former NBA star known for his strong opinions, recently sparked controversy by claiming that Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t among the top three players in the Eastern Conference.
During a special episode of his show KG Certified: TICKET & THE TRUTH, Garnett expressed his belief that Antetokounmpo ranks behind Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid in the East, even going so far as to suggest the Milwaukee Bucks star might be the fourth-best player in the conference.
“You can’t say that with Embiid and Tatum over there… He’s probably like the, What, fourth-best player in the East?” Garnett said during the show, a statement that has since ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media.
Despite the Bucks falling short of an NBA title last season, Antetokounmpo‘s performance remains elite. Last season, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game-numbers that solidify his status as one of the most dominant players in the league.
In comparison, Jayson Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, while Joel Embiid posted 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Given Antetokounmpo’s impressive stats and his track record-including two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year title, and a Finals MVP-the suggestion that he isn’t a top-three player in the East has drawn widespread criticism.
Garnett’s Take Sparks Social Media Outrage
Garnett‘s comments quickly became a trending topic, with NBA fans taking to social media to express their disagreement. One fan wrote, “He’s threatened because he’s never been as good as Giannis. KG’s playoff career high is what Giannis averaged in the finals. The only thing KG has on Giannis is longevity.”
Another fan didn’t hold back, saying, “Giannis on an off-day is better than KG at his absolute best. Debate a wall.”
Others questioned Garnett‘s credibility, with one fan commenting, “KG’s takes are ridiculous! Waste of time! Why even ask this guy a real question and expect an unbiased answer?”
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that many fans believe Antetokounmpo’s contributions make him one of the best players in the NBA, not just the Eastern Conference. While Tatum and Embiid had stellar seasons, Antetokounmpo‘s all-around game and leadership have solidified his legacy as a generational talent.
Whether Garnett‘s opinion is a case of bias or simply a different perspective, one thing is certain: Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most respected and accomplished players in the league, regardless of where he ranks in Garnett’s eyes.