Coming into the NBA as a scrawny youngster, nobody understood why the Milwaukee Bucks selected Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2013 draft. However, as the years have gone by, the ‘Greek Freak’ has emerged into a bona fide superstar. It would take 8 years for the Bucks’ investment in Giannis to be fruitful as the franchise won the 2021 NBA title.

Regardless, the 8 years were worth the wait as fans saw Giannis evolve. Like LeBron was for Cleveland, Giannis too is Milwaukee’s prodigal son.

During the Bucks’ latest matchup this season, Giannis helped his team edge the 76ers with a game-winning block. Following this, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal explained how the ‘Greek Freak’ is LeBron James’ heir over Joel Embiid.

Shaquille O’Neal on Giannis Antetokounmpo

While on ‘NBA on TNT’, Shaq spoke about how Giannis is better than Joel Embiid and will become the heir to LeBron James. Shaq began by explaining how people slept on the Bucks because the squad was not full strength. Thereafter, he spoke about Giannis.

“Giannis has been playing the same way all year. He developed that game that we didn’t want him to develop. But he’s developed it very nicely,” said Shaq.

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“The difference between him and Embiid in that game, he was a little meaner,” added Shaq on how Giannis has developed a ‘mean’ and fearless game even against big stars like Embiid.

“When ‘Bron ‘Bron leave and they start talking about the best player in the game, it’s coming over here. It’s not gonna stay in Philly, it’s coming to Milwaukee,” stated Shaq on Giannis, being LeBron’s heir.

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Clearly, Shaq believes that Giannis is the next face of the NBA. And he’s not wrong about it. Giannis has developed into a superstar before our very eyes. He consistently improves his game every year.

Since becoming a two-time league MVP, people have questioned Giannis’ ability to deliver the ultimate prize of an NBA title. Despite the pressure, he delivered and made history for the Bucks.

Giannis and Embiid This Season

The ‘Greek Feak’ has been a consistent force in the league this season. With the Bucks enduring injuries all year, he has been pivotal in lifting the franchise to its present standing in the East this season. At present they have a 47-28 record and sit 2nd in the East. Moreover, Giannis’ performances have put him in strong contention for the MVP award this season.

On the other hand, Joel Embiid has had an exciting season too. In the absence of Ben Simmons, he has emerged as the star of the 76ers for the most of this season. Additionally, this season has been Embiid’s best one so far in terms of scoring. Moreover, he too is a strong competitor for the MVP award this season.

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Regardless of the performance of both players, there is only one team that can make it out of the Eastern Conference in the playoffs. With Giannis having made a finals trip before, he knows exactly what it takes to win. But this does not give him a definitive advantage over Embiid. With a chip on his shoulder, Embiid has been playing lights out to prove himself. So if the two stars clash in the playoffs, it will be a sight to see.