Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ star forward, has expressed his frustration with the NBA’s decision to leave him, Damian Lillard, and the Bucks off the Christmas Day schedule. While Christmas Day has become a marquee event for the NBA, featuring the league’s top stars and matchups, Giannis feels that the Bucks, one of the NBA’s most successful teams in recent years, deserve to be part of the festivities. In a candid conversation with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Giannis made it clear that he is disappointed by the league’s decision to exclude his team from this year’s Christmas Day games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Disappointment Over Christmas DayExclusion
For many NBA fans, Christmas Day is synonymous with thrilling basketball matchups, featuring some of the league’s biggest stars and most popular teams. However, despite being one of the most dominant forces in the NBA over the past several seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with his teammate Damian Lillard, was left out of this year’s lineup.
Giannis didn’t hold back when expressing his dissatisfaction with the NBA’s decision. “There’s gotta be an algorithm because if it’s — how can I say — like a popularity contest, I can give you facts,” he said. Giannis went on to mention that both he and Lillard were selected as NBA All-Star starters last season, with Lillard also winning the All-Star MVP. To add to the frustration, Giannis was the No. 1 vote-getter not just in the Eastern Conference but across the entire NBA. With all of these accolades and achievements, it was baffling to him that the Bucks were not included in the coveted Christmas Day schedule.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Questions the NBA’s Selection Process
Giannis continued to question the NBA’s decision-making process, suggesting that the league may prioritize popularity and media attention over team performance and individual accolades. He asked, “Maybe we didn’t get a Christmas game because we’re in a small market? Maybe that’s the case.” The Bucks are one of the smaller-market teams in the league, and Giannis appears to feel that this is a key factor in the league’s scheduling choices.
The Bucks have had one of the best records in the East in recent years, even winning the NBA Championship in 2021. Yet, despite this success and the fact that both Giannis and Lillard are well-known stars, the Bucks were left off the schedule. Giannis is not alone in his frustration. Many fans and analysts have also voiced concerns over the NBA’s prioritization of certain teams and stars over others, particularly in terms of exposure and viewership.
Giannis’ comments bring attention to the growing trend of the NBA focusing more on TV ratings and star power when scheduling games for special occasions. The league’s Christmas Day slate often includes high-profile teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors, who are generally seen as drawing in larger audiences. However, Giannis believes that merit and talent should also play a major role in these decisions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Success Should Have Earned a Christmas Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s success over the past few seasons is undeniable. As one of the most dominant players in the NBA, Giannis has led the Bucks to consistent playoff appearances and helped deliver the franchise’s first championship in 50 years. His individual accolades, including two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and numerous All-NBA selections, showcase his value as a player and his importance to the league.
In addition to his personal achievements, the Milwaukee Bucks had one of the best records in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season, and they have remained competitive in the Eastern Conference since then. The team’s inclusion on the Christmas Day schedule would have been a great opportunity to showcase their talent and the excitement of Giannis, Lillard, and the rest of the team on a global stage.
A New Era for the Milwaukee Bucks
With Damian Lillard joining the Bucks during the 2023 offseason, expectations for the team’s success have been elevated. Lillard, one of the league’s premier scorers and playmakers, has been a key addition to the Bucks’ lineup, and the duo of Giannis and Lillard has the potential to form one of the most dynamic tandems in the NBA. The pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard has fans and analysts alike excited about the future of the team.
However, despite their potential, the Bucks have struggled to live up to the high expectations placed on them early in the season. Currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 15-12 record, the team has not been able to replicate the same level of dominance that characterized their championship-winning season just a few years ago. Giannis himself has continued to perform at an elite level, but the Bucks have faced challenges in finding consistent team chemistry, especially with the addition of Lillard.
Still, Giannis Antetokounmpo believes that his team’s talent and track record deserve recognition, particularly on a holiday as significant as Christmas Day. He pointed out the fact that both he and Lillard had been starters in the All-Star game, with Lillard also winning the All-Star MVP. “Dame won the 3-point contest. Maybe that has nothing to do with it,” Giannis remarked, emphasizing that their accomplishments should have been enough to warrant a spot on the Christmas Day schedule.
The NBA’s Christmas Day Slate for 2023
This Christmas, NBA fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of games featuring some of the league’s most high-profile teams and star players. The scheduled games include matchups between the Spurs and the Knicks, the Timberwolves facing off against the Mavericks, the 76ers visiting the Celtics, the Lakers battling the Warriors, and the Nuggets going up against the Suns. While these games promise to be thrilling, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence and the Bucks’ exclusion from the schedule have raised questions about the NBA’s priorities.
Many fans had hoped to see Giannis and the Bucks face off against one of the league’s other top teams, showcasing the exciting pairing of Giannis and Lillard in a high-profile game. However, the NBA’s focus on viewership and star power has led to the exclusion of the Bucks from the holiday slate. This decision underscores the shifting dynamics in the league, where the entertainment value of the matchups and the ability to attract a global audience often take precedence over team merit and on-court success.
The Bucks’ Road Ahead
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s frustration with the NBA’s Christmas Day decision is not just about the missed opportunity for exposure; it also highlights the broader issue of how smaller-market teams are treated in comparison to larger-market teams. With the Bucks sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, they still have the chance to make a strong push in the second half of the season and prove that they belong among the NBA’s elite teams.
For now, Giannis and his teammates will have to focus on their performance on the court, with the hope that their play will earn them the recognition they deserve in the future. While the Bucks won’t be playing on Christmas Day this year, they still have plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents and prove that they belong on the NBA’s biggest stages.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s outspoken criticism of the NBA’s decision to leave the Bucks off the Christmas Day schedule has sparked important conversations about fairness, market size, and how the league makes its scheduling choices. As one of the league’s top players, Giannis has every right to voice his frustration, especially given the Bucks’ recent success and the star power of both him and Damian Lillard. While the NBA’s Christmas Day lineup may not feature the Bucks this season, Giannis remains focused on leading his team to greater success on the court, with the hope that their future performances will earn them the recognition they deserve.
