We needed a new thread and I just had to share one of the most perfect examples of a New York newspaper “news” story that I’ve seen in quite some time.
From Marc Berman:
There is so much talk about Giannis (Antetokounmpo) being a free agent in ’21 and his being available to the Knicks. Do you think he’d really be interested in the Knicks given that he hates the team after the fiasco with his brother? — Sam V
The season’s potential cancellation will most hurt Milwaukee, which had a league-best 53-12 unit that many experts felt had the momentum to win the championship. Antetokounmpo seems to want to stay in Milwaukee when he becomes a 2021 free agent, but only if the Bucks stand as a title contender. Sources indicate the pandemic has changed things so drastically, it’s hard to pinpoint Antetokounmpo’s future plans.
Who knows what could happen with next season’s rosters — potentially Antetokounmpo’s last season in Brew City.
The Knicks’ lure is the bigger stage but they probably won’t be a winner in 2020-21. And we know Antetokounmpo was disappointed with the franchise when it didn’t give his brother, Thanasis, a 2013 second-round pick, a chance. Thanasis, who played just two games with the Knicks, is now with the Bucks.
Before the Knicks faced Milwaukee in London in 2015, Giannis told The Post, “I thought he [would] get called up before the game. I’m a little disappointed he’s not going to play tomorrow against me.”
Then came a weird remark in a documentary last season from one of Giannis’ agents, Giorgos Panou, who stated the Knicks were the lone team not to send a scout to Greece to watch Giannis play. The Knicks denied the charge.
Alex Antetokounmpo, the youngest brother, has decided to skip college to play in Europe. The Knicks may have another chance to make good with Giannis in the 2021 draft.
I am sure Giannis is not coming here, either, but the idea that his mediocre brother not getting to play on the Knicks five years ago has any impact either way is laughable. For it to get a HEADLINE is just New York sports media at its finest.
For good measure, Berman later suggests that Cole Anthony could be a good draft pick if the Knicks miss out on Ball. Oh, Berman, never change. Wait, I didn’t mean that. I meant please change!