"That's Magic Johnson": Pat Riley Makes Big Claim on Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the newest addition to the Miami Heat squad. After several months of rumors and speculations, his transfer to the Heat finally came to fruition. Now set to form a duo with fellow Heat star Bam Adebayo, Miami's team president, Pat Riley, shared his thoughts on his expectations with Giannis.

Riley is clearly excited to have Antetokounmpo on board. The Heat president noted Giannis' qualities as a star and how he could help the team contend again. Riley also talked about the Greek Freak's versatility on the hardwood, reminding him of a young Magic Johnson.

"You have to have somebody who’s big and versatile," Riley said about Antetokounmpo. "Almost like a unicorn. ... The things he can do on the court are very reminiscent to me of a player I had in LA at 6’9 that could handle the ball on breaks, rebounds, and stuff. That’s Magic Johnson. He has that kind of open-court ability."

While Riley is clearly thrilled to have acquired Giannis, his game isn't exactly reminiscent of Magic Johnson's. Back in the day, Johnson was known for his court vision. Always prioritizing getting his team involved while having the ability to score when needed.

In the case of Antetokounmpo, he's more known to be an inside scorer who can also provide efficient defensive stops, whether it be blocks or steals.

Nevertheless, the thought of comparing the Greek Freak to an NBA legend is valid. It's a clear indication that Riley sees greatness in Antetokounmpo, who's already a sure-fire basketball Hall of Famer one day.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is Looking Forward to Playing For Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra

After spending 13 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, for the first time in his career, Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to suit up for another team next season. That team is the Miami Heat. Earlier this summer, the Bucks agreed to a deal with the Heat, trading Giannis and Bobby Portis Jr. in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, and several draft picks.

Despite about to work in a new environment, Antetokounmpo is already looking forward to his next chapter. During the Heat's press conference dedicated to their new star on Thursday, Giannis opened up about how he's excited to be coached by Erik Spoelstra.

"I just want to be coached hard," Antetokounmpo said in the presser. "I’d rather you tell me the ugly truth than a beautiful lie. ... I don’t want to be sugarcoated. I have a lot of people like that in my life that try to make me feel good. I don’t need that. I need the truth so I can apply that to life and the game of basketball."

"I’m excited to be coached by (Erik Spoelstra)," Antetokounmpo added. "I’m excited to be here, and I know he’ll get the best out of me. ... I need him to push me and tell me the truth."

Antetokounmpo understands the value of Spoelstra as a coach for the Heat. Spo is no stranger to success. Throughout his coaching career with Miami, Spoelstra has won three NBA championships. Two of those titles came when he was the team's head coach.

Antetokounmpo is also a former champion, winning the title once in his career. With both their experiences combined, it could push the current Heat roster to work harder as they'll try to contend for the title next season.