At a Glance
- Giannis Antetokounmpo booed Milwaukee fans back with a double thumbs-down on Jan. 13
- The Bucks lost 139-106 to Minnesota, falling to 17-23 on the season
- Antetokounmpo defended his reaction: “Whenever I get booed, I boo back”
- Why it matters: The two-time MVP’s future in Milwaukee is uncertain with the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo turned the jeers of his own fans back on them, flashing a double thumbs-down after a lopsided home loss fueled speculation about his desire to stay with the franchise.
The Gesture That Lit Up Fiserv Forum
As boos rained down following the 139-106 drubbing by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, Jan. 13, Antetokounmpo spun toward the stands and delivered the dismissive signal.
“Whenever I get booed, I boo back,” the 31-year-old told reporters after the game.
The moment marked a rare instance of the two-time league MVP directing the gesture at Bucks supporters; he typically reserves it for opposing crowds on the road. Cameras captured Antetokounmpo pausing near mid-court, soaking in the crowd’s displeasure before returning the favor.
Post-Game Defense: Playing For Himself And His Family
During the post-game press conference, Antetokounmpo doubled down on his reaction.
“I play basketball for my teammates. I play basketball for myself and my family,” he said. “When people don’t believe in me, I don’t tend to be with them. I tend to be against them.”
He continued, “I’ve always been that way. It won’t change now. It won’t matter if I’m home or away.”
Antetokounmpo called the situation unfair, adding, “I’ve never been a part of something like that before and I don’t think it’s fair. I don’t. But everybody has their opinion to do what they want to do.”
Season Slump Intensifies Trade Rumors
The blowout loss dropped Milwaukee to 17-23, well below preseason expectations for a roster featuring Antetokounmpo and fellow All-Star Damian Lillard. The team’s slide has intensified questions about whether the front office will consider moving the face of the franchise before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Antetokounmpo has previously stated he would not request a trade, but front-office executives around the league continue to monitor the situation.
“Obviously, you’re frustrated,” he admitted. “I think we didn’t play hard. I think we didn’t do the right things. We didn’t play as a team. There’s not much you can take from this game.”
A Pattern Of Road Reactions
The thumbs-down has become something of a signature for Antetokounmpo when visiting arenas. Recent examples include:
- October: After hitting the game-winner against the Indiana Pacers
- December 27: Following a windmill dunk that sealed a victory over the Chicago Bulls
Those moments drew cheers from Bucks fans on social media; the home version drew a far different reaction.
Long-Term Future: Greece, Not Milwaukee?
Complicating matters is Antetokounmpo’s stated desire to finish his career in his native Greece. In an October interview with ANT1’s The 2night Show, translated by BasketNews, he outlined his post-NBA plans.
“I’m 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I’m 36-38. I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not?” he said.
He added, “I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece.”
Antetokounmpo was selected by Milwaukee with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and has spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise, winning MVP honors in 2019 and 2020 and leading the team to the 2021 championship.
Key Takeaways
- Antetokounmpo’s double thumbs-down came after the Bucks’ most lopsided home loss of the season
- The 31-year-old has never requested a trade but has hinted at finishing his career overseas
- Milwaukee’s front office faces mounting pressure to either retool around its star or explore blockbuster deals
- The next three weeks before the trade deadline could determine the direction of the franchise for years
