‘Suspended Him’: Jared Dudley Reveals How Jason Kidd’s Punishment Got the Best Out of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Follow Us
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Devin Booker, the two young debutants of the NBA Finals, are playing the best basketball of their life. However, the two are polar opposites when it comes to their style of play and also the physical attributes.
Now, there’s one player who has shared the court with both the stars, that too when they were both very young. It’s the Los Angeles Lakers’ Jared Dudley and hence his assessment can give a bird’s eye view into their transformation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jared revealed how Giannis Antetokounmpo beat Devin Booker in one area
In a recent interview with Mavericks’ JJ Redick, Jared reminisced about his time with both the NBA Final flag bearers. He played alongside Giannis in 2014-15 when the Freak was 20-YO in his sophomore year. Then later, he joined the Suns in 2016 to take the court with a 20-YO Booker.
About Giannis, the lakers player expressed, “I had him so young, he was just like European players in America. He just wanted to learn, he didn’t care about living in Milwaukee, he was at the gym with his brothers at 11 pm at night throwing a football… He loved the culture.”
Trending
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson
April 19, 2024 02:58 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He also popped fun over the cheek bone of Devin Booker and revealed the only area where he felt Giannis overpowered Book. The 36-YO added, “The difference between them two is, Giannis lived in the weight room. If you look at that picture of his body going from one to another, and with that if you see it, that’s what struggled of his jump shot. Because when I was with Giannis, Giannis would shoot like 36 from three, his free throw percentage was higher, obviously he was a young boy, now he has become a young man. That weight room, he is the physical specimen…”
‘A Crazy Story’: Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals Why He Didn’t Engage with LeBron James on the Courtside
When the Freak received his punishments
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Today, Giannis Antetokounmpo sees his well-deserved comparison with Shaquille O’Neal. The way the 26-YO dominates the paint and uses contact to his advantage is phenomenal. The 6’11” Greek God of Power does not shy away from drawing fouls even if free throws are not his strength.
Jared Dudley gave a huge credit for this to Milwaukee’s former coach Jason Kidd (2014-18) who helped Giannis grow. As the champion power forward added, “He became a man, hey listen I’m gonna be the new Shaq and the most dominant player. I didn’t know he’d be this good. I knew he’d be an All-Star caliber player, didn’t think he’d be an MVP so soon, didn’t think he had a chance to win a championship so soon. It’s a testament to his work ethic… I see his mindset. I credit Jason Kidd pushing the right buttons. He suspended him one time, he would bench him every time he shot a three.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Well, considering that Giannis is scoring threes at 17.9% in the playoffs 2021, coach Kidd saved him there. So what do you think, can the Freak continue to grow and win multiple championships? We would love to read your comments below.
Watch this story – Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Crazy Transformation Before Coming to the NBA