While the Indiana Pacers hold a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals, the discussion on ‘First Take’ today revolved around a team they sent home in the first round: the Milwaukee Bucks. After yet another disappointing postseason for the Bucks, it appears Giannis Antetokounmpo’s departure could be a real possibility.
And although Stephen A. Smith is never short on controversy-stirring inputs, his latest take on Giannis’ future has left fans fuming at his audacity once again.
Stephen A. Smith Labels Giannis Antetokounmpo an ‘Underachiever’ for Only Having 1 Ring
With the Bucks failing to aid Antetokounmpo with the right stars to fuel a deep Playoff run, it seems likely the Greek Freak has played his last game in Milwaukee already. So, as the star’s potential landing destinations continued to be discussed on “First Take,” host Molly Qerim asked Smith to describe Antetokounmpo’s career if he doesn’t win another title. And his response has once again seen him land in hot water.
.@stephenasmith‘s one word to describe Giannis’ career if he doesn’t win another championship: “underachiever.” 😯
“You don’t look at somebody that dominant, that fantastic, with that kind of fire in his belly to compete, on a night in night out basis and all you have is one… pic.twitter.com/ZgrMx0KAPP
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 13, 2025
“Underachiever,” he swiftly responded.
And although the take sounded outrageous at first, Smith’s reasoning makes it appear less so.
“Nine All-NBA selections in his career, nine All-Star selections, and top ten finishes in league MVP voting nine times. And he has more of that than post-season series wins. That’s unacceptable,” he said.
While Smith made a sound argument, his choice of words was once again poor and the unrelenting fans made sure to give him a piece of their minds.
One of the fans who appeared frustrated of Smith’s sensational takes questioned his credibility while calling him a “clown”. The fan hailed Antetokounmpo as a Top 15 player of all time and believed the underachiever tag didn’t hold up well.
While multiple rings surely strengthen your legacy, there have been many legends who have only won a single ring. And to call them underachievers would be criminal, to say the least.
Another fan pointed out how Antetokounmpo isn’t the only player in Hall of Fame conversations with just a single ring. And to add to that, Antetokounmpo won a ring by dropping a 50-point performance in the decisive Finals game with the same team that drafted him. Which has to mean something in an era where stars are constantly chasing Big 3s.
While Antetokounmpo has not been surrounded by the best supporting group, he has still showed up and competed, not throwing any of his teammates or coaches under the bus. Antetokounmpo has been consistent not just in his individual performances but also in humble and unproblematic attitude which is evident even with how he is handling his possible exit.
Smith justified his comments on the show by highlighting Antetokounmpo’s massive potential. However, another fan brought attention to the unrealistic standards that athletes in the league are now being subjected to. And while rings serve as solid symbols of success, it must be noted that several legends, such as Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson, are some of the many Hall of Famers who have never won a championship.
So, to disregard Antetokounmpo’s achievements simply to honor his potential hardly seems fair. But it surely serves as a reminder to the All-Star that eyes will follow wherever he goes, and failure to succeed will only reignite such chatter.
