A lighthearted internet drama has developed between Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and ESPN insider Shams Charania. Antetokounmpo’s name surfaced repeatedly in trade speculation, much of it reported by Charania. Ahead of the Celebrity All-Star Game, the Bucks forward seemed to answer in good spirits, offering a playful remark directed at the NBA insider.
The Greek Freak along with his brothers coach one of the squads in the Celebrity All-Star Game. Before the game began, he was asked about Shams Charania’s ability on the court, with the ESPN insider suiting up as one of the participants. Antetokounmpo did not hold back, saying plainly that Charania is not a good basketball player.
"He cannot hoop." 😂
Giannis on Shams. pic.twitter.com/wYIamBqfsV
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 14, 2026
“You know why it’s not fair? Because I have Shams on my team. He cannot hoop,” commented the Bucks star. “But, everybody else can hoop.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks after the trade deadline
Since the trade deadline came and went, the Milwaukee Bucks have continued to poke fun at Shams Charania. During a session with reporters, head coach Doc Rivers joked that Giannis Antetokounmpo was working behind the scenes to deal Charania to the opposing Celebrity All-Star squad. It was the team’s playful way of stirring up its own round of “trade rumors” involving the well-known NBA insider.
All things considered, the pause comes at a good time for the Milwaukee.
Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The nine-time All-Star can use the downtime to focus on his calf issue and aim for a return shortly after the break. He will not take part in any festivities, including the NBA All-Star Game. Although he earned a starting nod, he was ultimately replaced in the lineup by De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs.
Giannis has appeared in 30 games this season for the Milwaukee Bucks. Across those outings, he is putting up 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He is also converting 64.5% of his shots from the field, the highest mark of his career, while knocking down 39.5% of his attempts from three-point range, another personal best.
