Bucks’ Pat Connaughton: ‘LeBron James Is LeBron James Because of His Ability to Get Other People Involved and Giannis Antetokounmpo Has All the Ability to Do the Exact Same Thing’

Published 11/30/2021, 1:30 PM EST

When LeBron James entered the NBA, it was the most ideal way to go pro. Not only was he labeled the ‘Chosen One’ but somewhat was destined to take over the crown Michael Jordan was about to leave behind. However, it’s been nearly two decades since LBJ has been dominating the league, and it’s high time somebody else takes over to be the face of the NBA. And it seems like Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the greatest choice.

Unlike LeBron, Giannis’ entrance into the league was not even nearly as magical. From struggling to keep his family above the poverty line to being an unknown prospect and now, eight seasons into the NBA, he is a two-time NBA Champion and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship for the first time in five decades.

Although he is already building a Hall of Famer kind of resume, he has started off his career. Who knows what’s yet to come the superstar’s way? Most likely, tons of more success and respect. However, just because his journey in the NBA hasn’t been like LeBron’s, the Greek Freak’s teammate thinks they do have some things in common, and one quality in particular.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James & Other NBA Stars Who Knew Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Potential Way Before he Won the NBA Championship

Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are quite similar?

In the most recent segment of ‘The Athletic’, Eric Nehm elaborates on what Antetokounmpo has become. In fact, Pat Connaughton made an even more compelling argument by comparing LBJ with his teammate.

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“Look, LeBron is LeBron because of his ability to get other people involved and Giannis has all the ability to do the exact same thing,” Pat told The Athletic. “And I think it’s just the more he sees his people guard him as an MVP, as a Finals MVP, the whole thing, he’s starting to anticipate how he can affect the game without just scoring.”

“As he gets better and better at that, he’s going to be able to have his way in this league. I mean, we’ve seen it with all his freakishness, but that passing ability and that ability to read a defense and almost be a step ahead of a defense, it’s that mantra of he’s playing chess, not checkers.”

There is no arguing with Connaughton’s statements. Many people in recent times have admitted that Giannis is the most viable candidate to take over as the face of the franchise when LeBron James retires. If he does continue at this pace, there is no stopping this prediction from becoming a reality.

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Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.

Bucks’ Pat Connaughton: ‘LeBron James Is LeBron James Because of His Ability to Get Other People Involved and Giannis Antetokounmpo Has All the Ability to Do the Exact Same Thing’

Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are quite similar?

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