Booing a superstar at home is never just noise. In the NBA, it often signals something deeper. Fans vent frustration. Players feel judgment. The relationship changes in real time, even if no one admits it out loud.
A similar case happened this month in Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo heard boos from his own fans during a messy night. And the issue spread fast across the league. One former player paid close attention because he had seen this exact moment before.
Marcus Morris Says Booing Pushed Kyrie Irving Out and Could Happen Same to Giannis Antetokounmpo
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On Jan 18, 2026, Marcus Morris addressed the case on The Morris Code Show. Drawing from his time with the Boston Celtics, Morris said fan behavior played a major role in Kyrie Irving’s decision to leave the franchise.
“Last time I was on a team with a superstar, and they booed him, he never got back right,” Morris said on the show. “With Kyrie in Boston, that’s why he wanted to leave. Soon as that happened, his whole energy changed. It was more like he just felt so disrespected.”
Marcus Morris on Giannis getting booed & why Kyrie really left Boston 😳🤯
“Last time I was on a team with a superstar & they booed him, he never got back right. With Kyrie in Boston, that's why he wanted to leave… Soon as that happened, his whole energy changed. It was more so… pic.twitter.com/Uavjqh6Oeu
— Morris Code Show (@TheMorrisCode2) January 18, 2026
Morris then connected that experience directly to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He said booing carries extra weight when a star is already questioning his future.
“When they get to booing you, and you’re a player that’s on the fence of leaving or not leaving, come on, bro,” Morris said. “I’m out. I’m out for sure now.”
Giannis was booed during a home loss to the Timberwolves after the Bucks trailed badly at halftime. Despite the score, he continued attacking the basket and took a hard fall on a drive. Post-game, the star said he booed the crowd back and said he plays for his teammates, himself, and his family.
Morris said moments like that linger. He pointed to Irving’s path after Boston as proof. Kyrie left the Celtics in 2019 and later helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals before tearing his ACL this season. According to Morris, criticism did not weaken Irving. It sharpened his edge.
Giannis trade rumors have followed Milwaukee since last season. Reports later revealed that the Bucks discussed his name with the Knicks during the summer of 2025. No deal happened. But the tension remains.
Morris did not predict Giannis leaving. He explained what happens when trust breaks. Once fans turn on a superstar, history shows it rarely ends quietly.
