Miroslav Raduljica has offered a critical assessment of former Milwaukee Bucks teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, questioning his natural basketball talent while praising the work ethic that helped turn him into an NBA superstar.
Raduljica played alongside Antetokounmpo during the 2013–14 season, when the Greek forward was beginning his NBA career as a rookie. Speaking on the Ozbiljno Neozbiljni podcast, the 38-year-old Serbian reflected on Giannis’ early development and the role Milwaukee played in shaping his career.
“He had a strong work ethic, and listened to everything they told him,” he explained how the franchise operated. “They can turn almost anyone into what they want them to be. They’re right 99% of the time. If they have a plan to develop someone into a player, they make it happen. Because I don’t think Giannis is some extraordinary basketball talent, but he has a talent for hard work, which is actually even more important. You need to have that ability to work hard, listen to what they tell you, and let them turn you into a beast.”
Although Raduljica acknowledged Antetokounmpo’s commitment and development, he made clear that he is not a fan of the physical style that has become a major part of the two-time MVP’s game.
“I just can’t watch that. That’s not basketball to me. I’m mentioning him, because I know him, but the same goes for other players too,” he confessed. “You just charge at the basket, bulk yourself up like a beast, have incredible physical attributes, and jump over people, but you can’t make a three-pointer. You don’t have a jump shot or a single fake. You’ve just got that one euro step, and then you still jump over someone like you’re on stilts.”
Raduljica, who appeared in 53 NBA games and won international silver medals with Serbia at the 2009 EuroBasket, 2014 FIBA World Cup and 2016 Olympics, emphasized that his criticism was strictly about basketball.
“I don’t mean any disrespect toward him. He’s a great guy, and I have nothing but respect for him,” he added.
