Despite an injury keeping him from playing in the actual game, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a strong presence throughout NBA All-Star Weekend. Whether he was hilariously consuming popcorn, asking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to help him gain “aura,” or showing up in support of Stephen Curry’s party in San Francisco at Club Thirty, Antetokounmpo was all around.
Antetokounmpo was pretty straightforward about his feelings towards the All-Star Game as well, as he spoke on some possible additions to the weekend to help revitalize it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants 1-on-1 Contest Added
One addition to the weekend festivities that has been discussed amongst players and fans is the 1-on-1 contest. The response to the 1-on-1 contest, which took place courtesy of Unrivaled women’s basketball, was positive, and it made many people look directly at the NBA.
Antetokounmpo is on board for bringing the 1-on-1 contest to the weekend, and he sees the full potential in it as well.
“If I had the chance to play 1-on-1 with anybody, I would love to do it. Anything that can make the weekend more exciting, more fun for the viewers, for the fans, and for the players, I would love to participate.
“I’ve done every competition, I think. I’ve done the Skills Challenge. I’ve done the Dunk Contest. I haven’t done the three-point shooting. But if it’s a 1-on-1 competition, I would love to participate.”
Antetokounmpo spoke to some of the challenges that the 1-on-1 contest could have in terms of size and ability. Yet, he seems committed to participating for the fun factor and challenge.
“I think sometimes you forget, to be good, to be a good 1-on-1 player, you’ve got to be able to play both ways. You’ve got to get a stop to get the ball. You don’t get a stop, you’re not getting the ball.
“It’s kind of hard, say, if Kyrie Irving is going against Wemby [Victor Wembanyama]. He’s got to get a stop. But it would be fun. It would be fun. I would love to participate if next year there’s a 1-on-1 tournament. I would love to participate.”
Who Would Participate in the 1-on-1 Contest?
Antetokounmpo is pretty excited about the contest potentially becoming a reality, so I would assume that he would be a part of it. Kyrie Irving also said that he would be interested and would not back down from anyone if the NBA added it.
It seems as if the players are mostly on board for the potential addition, and I’m sure the fans would find it exciting as well.
Could you imagine the excitement of those individual matchups and the promotion? The possibilities are endless. Antetokounmpo vs. Kevin Durant; Stephen Curry vs. Irving; Nikola Jokić vs. Victor Wembanyama.
If the NBA finds itself looking for more ways to spruce up All-Star Weekend after some of the criticism of the recent changes, this is the way.
