“I was over coached” - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was displeased with the disparity in freedom compared to Giannis Antetokounmpo

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During his days in the league, no player made Kareem Abdul-Jabbar think less of his playing style, but modern-day superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo proved to be an exception.

In today’s NBA landscape, players are increasingly seen as positionless, and ‘The Greek Freak’ has embraced this flexibility to its fullest extent, leading to the six-time MVP contemplating adopting a similar approach in his career.

Kareem applauded Giannis’ approach

Reflecting on how the two-time MVP has forged his own path into the NBA, ‘Cap’ applauded Giannis’ unconventional moves on the court with a distinctiveness that plays to his strengths. The 19-time All-Star admitted that he, too, aspired to have such versatility, but he found himself constrained.

“Giannis, really, as someone who really taught himself how to play the game. He just went into the gym and messed around with it until he figured a few things out,” Kareem said. “And that has made me kind of angry cause I feel like I was overcoached. I would have liked to try to do some of the things that he did. ‘You get the rebound, you better not try and take it down to the other end of the court if you’re a frontline player.’ That was like gospel when I played.”

While acknowledging Giannis’ ability to shatter traditional expectations of how a big man should operate on the court, the two-time scoring champ couldn’t help but feel frustrated for not having the same liberty to express himself similarly during his playing days.

Kareem has always been appreciative of Giannis

On another occasion, just before the Milwaukee Bucks clinched the Larry O’Brien trophy after a five-decade wait, the six-time MVP openly shared his admiration for the Greek International. Kareem emphasized that a 1-on-1 showdown with Giannis held no clear favorites. Furthermore, he advised Giannis to add the iconic skyhook into his offensive repertoire, immensely enhancing his versatility.

“I have no idea. I’m a little bit taller than Giannis, so that might help. That would have been an interesting matchup if I could have learned all the requisite skills,” Kareem said. “He could certainly use it in the post (his skyhook). He is long, and if he can use the shot, he can do it in the post, and it would help him.”

It seems like Giannis has a true supporter in Kareem, who appreciates his game and provides valuable insights.