Channing Frye draws criticism for remarks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 8:33 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Former NBA champion Channing Frye sparked debate after describing Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as a seven-foot running back. During an appearance on the “Road Trippin Show,” Frye questioned whether the 31-year-old possesses the necessary skill set to sustain his dominance while managing recurring injuries. Several basketball figures and fans pushed back against these comments, citing Antetokounmpo’s championship history, footwork, and ball-handling abilities as evidence of his technical skill. Antetokounmpo, who recently joined the Miami Heat after a season limited by calf and knee injuries, is preparing to return to the court. The reaction from the basketball community highlighted widespread disagreement with Frye's assessment of the veteran forward. Antetokounmpo previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021 while dealing with physical ailments.
- •Channing Frye labeled Giannis Antetokounmpo a seven-foot running back on the Road Trippin Show.
- •Critics challenged the assessment by pointing to Antetokounmpo's 2021 NBA championship performance.
- •Antetokounmpo played 36 games last season due to lingering calf and knee injuries.
- •The forward joined the Miami Heat during the most recent offseason.
- 8:33 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Let It Go,’ ‘We Still Doing This?’ — NBA Champion Catches Heat for Calling Giannis Antetokounmpo a ‘7’0 Running Back’
"Giannis Antetokounmpo has enjoyed a glittering NBA career and is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time. However, one former NBA champion has now sparked a polarizing debate by comparing the 31-year-old to a running back.
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