Former President Barack Obama is a massive basketball fan. Everybody knew that about him before he ever took office, and his love for hoops only seemed to intensify during his stint as the most powerful man in the world.
This week, President Obama appeared on The Ringer to discuss a myriad of NBA-related topics.
One such topic: who he would build a team around out of Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In President Obama’s estimation, Antetokounmpo is the clear pick – with one caveat.
“I want to see if Giannis gets a midrange this year,” Obama said.
“You know everybody’s worrying about Giannis getting a three point shot, Giannis needs a 12 footer or a 15 footer. That’s what matters right? If he does, then I think he’s unstoppable. If he has the same shot as a Karl Malone or even a Kawhi, right, where in crunch time he can just pull up, who’s gonna block that shot?”
If Antetokounmpo doesn’t take that next step this season, President Obama thinks Doncic would end up being his pick.
“So if he doesn’t develop it, then probably Luka just because more skillset,” he added.
“Although, Zion’s just more fun to watch.”
At that point, Simmons interjected with his praise for Doncic.
“He’s like the best 21-year-old player ever,” Simmons said.
“He is remarkable,” President Obama agreed.
This is going to be a big year for all three of the aforementioned players.
Antetokounmpo just signed a five-year, $228 million super-max deal to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. Now the onus is on him to advance further in the postseason than he has up to this point and justify the savior status the franchise has thrust on him.
When confronted about Tim Duncan’s sexuality, Danny Green kept it real. https://t.co/A2W9DCA1p3
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The same is true for Doncic. The youngster comes into 2020 as the favorite to claim this year’s regular season MVP award. He was incredible in 2019, but the Dallas Mavericks still failed to advance past the first round against a very flawed Los Angeles Clippers squad. That will need to change.
Finally, Williamson missed a hefty chunk of his rookie campaign. More than anything else, he will need to prove that he can stay healthy while displaying the level of dominance fans have grown accustomed to seeing from him.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
