During the 2026 Celebrity All-Star game, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed comments suggesting his Celebrity All-Star team had an unfair advantage. Instead of defending the overall talent on his squad, Giannis humorously targeted one teammate in particular.
Playful Remarks About Shams Charania’s Role on Team Giannis
Giannis responded to former NBA player Richard Jefferson’s suggestion that Team Giannis had too much basketball skill compared to Team Anthony Anderson. With a smile, Giannis said,
“You know, why it’s not fair? Because we have Shams on my team. He cannot hoop! But everybody else can hoop,”
directing a lighthearted jab at NBA insider and full-time reporter Shams Charania, who participated as a player in the game.
Jefferson’s claim implied a clear talent imbalance between the teams, but Giannis pointed to Charania—known more for his reporting than playing—as the team’s weak link. This contrast provided some balance in what otherwise appeared to be a heavily skilled roster.
Team Giannis Clinches Win Despite the Banter
Regardless of the jokes, Team Giannis secured a 65-58 victory over Anthony Anderson’s squad, confirming Jefferson’s point about the team’s strength. The event brought together a diverse group of entertainers, athletes, and celebrities, but Team Giannis showed better teamwork during the final moments of the game.
Though Charania was the subject of good-natured teasing, other players stepped up to secure the win under Giannis’s leadership. This outcome allowed Giannis to enjoy his playful critique while still celebrating a successful finish for his team.
The friendly exchanges between Jefferson and Giannis created buzz beyond the final score, highlighting how Team Giannis proved to be a formidable squad even when jokingly described as having a “handicap.” The match underscored Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impact as both a leader and competitor in this unique basketball event.
"He cannot hoop." 😂
Giannis on Shams. pic.twitter.com/wYIamBqfsV
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 14, 2026
