The battle lines were drawn for years. The troops only needed a signal to dash out of the trenches to clash. And that’s exactly what happened this season as we find ourselves amid NBA players vs media battle with Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming the latest cadet on the front. After the Joel Embiid saga, players started opening up against the NBA media’s actions, which they deem unacceptable at times. For instance, the post-game locker room interviews with reporters moving in and out of the players’ safe place with ease.

Apart from that, the constant chirping on national television and criticizing players has been a daily dose of entertainment for us. However, LeBron James found that unacceptable and left the social media space altogether. Now why are Embiid and LeBron in Giannis’ story? Simply put, they are all in this together and Giannis made sure to let the media know how exactly he feels about them for their polarizing criticism.

“The day you beat the team like today. Vegas, baby! The Bucks are rolling. They’re going to Vegas. Blackjack! Wow. Wow,” an animated Giannis said on the latest episode of the Thanalysis Show. “And the day you lose, they get him out of here, trade Giannis, and he has blood in his hands, and nobody wants him. He can’t shoot and blah blah blah. Bad team with 0 IQ.”

Pause right there. Remember that “blood in his hands” comment made by Kendrick Perkins last month? Giannis kept a receipt, as it seemed. “I’m like, guys? Yesterday I was the best player in the world,” Giannis concluded, highlighting the duality of analysts.

After the Bucks’ terrible start to the season, trade rumors surrounding Giannis popped up. It became a nationwide debate with the First Take dedicating a segment to it. Perkins has been a known critic of Giannis throughout the years, and held nothing back.

The former Cs player not only blamed Giannis for the Bucks’ struggles but also for the dismissals of the previous head coaches. “Here’s the thing: does Giannis have blood on his hands? Absolutely, all over this. So you gotta stick it out, you gotta ride it out. This is what you wanted, Giannis,” Perk said after pointing out how Giannis wanted Damian Lillard in Milwaukee, losing Jrue Holiday in the process.

USA Today via Reuters

He already has had enough of this negativity and ever-swinging opinions. So Giannis asked of his brother, Thanasis to do him a big favor in his battle against the media.

Giannis Antetokounmpo asks Thanasis to be his voice in media

Giannis’ image to the media is certainly quite different compared to the other NBA stars. His jovial interviews, dad jokes and clear cut views makes him one of the most favored faces in front of the national tele. But that doesn’t mean he’s immune to criticism. Whenever the Bucks fail to deliver, Giannis is blamed for it. And fair to say, Giannis is sick of such treatment.

That’s why to speak his side in front of the media, Giannis turned to his brother, Thanasis. “I want you one day to go to First Take. Sit down on the table.” Highlighting his relationship with Stephen A. Smith, Giannis added, “Sit down. They love you over there. Stephen A. Smith is your guy. You’re like this. Sit down.”

Then he opened up, “I can’t, I’m tired of walking in the facility and turning it First Take because we have First Take on all the TVs and see, like, blah blah blah blah.” Stephen A. joined in one of the episodes of the show so there can be some favor. Seeing Thanasis among the First Take crew can be a special experience but he’d ultimately be there to be the voice of his brother.