The Milwaukee Bucks might be concerned about Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury heading to the NBA Finals, but for Charles Barkley, there's something positive to get from it. In fact, Chuck went as far as to saying it is the “best thing” to happen to the team in the playoffs.

Barkley's reasoning? It provided an opportunity for the Bucks to unleash Jrue Holiday–just in time for their NBA Finals showdown with the Phoenix Suns.

“I hate to say this,” Barkley said during his recent appearance on Inside the NBA, per Fox Sports. “I think the best thing [to happen] to the Milwaukee Bucks was Giannis getting hurt. Because they have unleashed Jrue Holiday, the aggressive Jrue Holiday. I think he's going to be fantastic in the Finals against Chris Paul, as much as I love Chris Paul.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) talk after their game at TD Garden.
Damian Lillard shares photo with Celtics’ Jayson Tatum amid Achilles rehabsZachary Howell ·
Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors and forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics and guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks and forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns celebrate with the trophy after defeating Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
Giannis Antetokounmpo makes strong declaration for 2026 NBA All-Star GameScotty White ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the second half.
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo breaks silence on viral ankle-breaker momentJosh Davis ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game three against the Indiana Pacers in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum.
Carmelo Anthony on why Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is unlike Luka DoncicScotty White ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum.
Paul George makes eye-opening Bucks, Giannis prediction amid trade buzzBenedetto Vitale ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks to pass the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Bucks star named ‘ideal’ Zion Williamson Pelicans partnerPreston Byers ·

For what it's worth, Charles Barkley is right that the Bucks benefited from Holiday's increased role without Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it is ridiculous to say that Milwaukee is a better team without the two-time MVP and one-time Defensive Player of the Year.

With that said, calling it the “best thing” to happen to the team is simply absurd and an exaggeration. Besides, Milwaukee will certainly prefer having Giannis “available” instead of his status for Game 1 being labeled as “doubtful.”

Holiday will be crucial for the Bucks as they try to stop Chris Paul and the Suns from punishing them, but hopes are high Antetokounmpo will be ready to play for the team when the last series of the season starts on Tuesday.