NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal does not easily praise a player. However, he once had major praise for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But when Giannis declared for the NBA draft in 2013, the Greek star was relatively unknown. However, the Milwaukee Bucks liked his potential and took a huge chance picking him as the 15th overall pick. Many still thought that Giannis was too lanky to play in the NBA. He then had a major transformation and became the Greek Freak we know today. Giannis then helped the Bucks win their first title in 50 long years. He also won two NBA MVP awards. But is he the GOAT of the NBA?

Giannis has two children with his long-time girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger. Mariah is not very active on social media. However, she posts from time to time.

Girlfriend showers love on Giannis Antetokounmpo

Mariah Riddlesprigger recently expressed her love for her boyfriend Giannis Antetokounmpo via Instagram story. She shared an image of Antetokounmpo laughing during practice with the caption, “It’s the smile for me 😍😋”. However, she did not stop there. A few hours later, Riddlesprigger upped it a notch and shared a video clip of the late NBA commissioner David Stern announcing the Milwaukee Bucks’ pick of Giannis. She posted it with the caption, “Gotta be G.O.A.T approved” and tagged her boyfriend. Both posts were initially shared Bucks’ Instagram handle. The video clip was a tribute to Giannis for becoming the franchise leader in games played.

While she was just showing love for her partner, some can wonder whether she is really claiming Giannis as the GOAT of the NBA. Even though Antetokounmpo still has a long way to go to stake claim as the GOAT, he can be the GOAT for his girlfriend, children, and family.

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The GOAT debate can be highly subjective and involve a lot of emotion as most people select their favorite player. Notably, this comes after the seven-time NBA All-Star’s recent candid comments about the MVP award.

Antetokounmpo’s comments on the criteria for the MVP award

Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the running for the MVP award. However, according to reports, superstars Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are leading the race for the award.

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Antetokounmpo was recently asked about the criteria for the prestigious award and did not shy away from venting his frustration that the criteria for MVP change a lot.