Giannis Antetokounmpo has already gathered the attention of many for several prominent actions on Twitter, including a lighthearted Q&A session with fans and addressing speculation about remaining with the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo recently added his voice to a conversation that continues to broil in the sports world, specifically the WNBA. As Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese continues to be heavily criticized by both the media and the fans, Antetokounmpo weighed in on the situation and acknowledged the important role Reese’s teammates play in helping her.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Praises Chicago Sky’s Ariel Atkins For Standing Up For Teammate Angel Reese
As WNBA star Angel Reese continues to be publicly criticized to a borderline extreme level, both by the sports media and by general fans online, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo commented on the situation on Twitter by praising Reese’s teammate, Ariel Atkins, for publicly standing up for Reese in front of the media.
Ariel Atkins (5/29/25) pic.twitter.com/aUi1BhGViO
— @balapattyszn (@balapattyvids) May 30, 2025
The Chicago Sky are currently 2-6 and struggling as a team. On June 10th, they were beaten soundly by the New York Liberty. In the postgame press conference, Atkins took her chance to stand up for Reese, who has been made into a controversial figure by those who excessively critique both her basketball ability and her personal character.
Atkins, an eight-year veteran of the WNBA, proudly stood up for Reese and demanded that she be respected.
Ariel Atkins addresses the unnecessary criticism Angel Reese receives that has nothing to do with basketball. 🥺✨ pic.twitter.com/gz8vmxmN7P
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) June 11, 2025
“This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy. Y’all want to come at her for the way that she acts – she has to build the wall. She has to have the wall because if she doesn’t, people will break her down. Not only just because of the way she looks, but it’s because of the way she carries herself. She knows who she is and we ain’t gone break her down for that. The kid’s crown is heavy. Respect that.”
While Antetokounmpo did not directly comment on the drama surrounding Reese, he did take the opportunity to shout out Atkins for being a great teammate.
That’s a great teammate right there💯💪🏾 https://t.co/wOC3l9srlj
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 11, 2025
Antetokounmpo has himself been praised as a great teammate throughout his career. His thoughts on the situation echo what many are saying in light of Atkins’ comments. Seeing teammates directly confront the vitriol and demand that Reese be treated with more respect is extremely important. Too often, athletes are dehumanized and treated as just objects of entertainment value.
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