ChatGPT challenge: Olympiacos B.C.’s Walkup, Sikma respond to some answers

The Reds duo give their thoughts on the club’s fans, Walkup’s defense and Sikma’s ChatGPT-inspired nickname.

Thomas Walkup and Luke Sikma have already struck up a relationship on and off the basketball court, and the Olympiacos Piraeus pair came together to look at some ChatGPT responses to questions that were posed. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of laughs throughout.

First up, Walkup and Sikma took a look at some responses to a generic question proposed about Olympiacos’s passionate supporters. The atmosphere at Peace and Friendship Stadium is one of the most fervent in the entire world, and Walkup, now in his third season at Olympiacos, understands the boost it gives the team.

“I think loyalty being number one is, for sure, worthy. Even when we struggled last year, they picked us up,” says Walkup.

“It’s my first year with the team, but you can already tell the passion,” adds Sikma. “Obviously, the chants and songs, I’m starting to learn and get a handle of. That’s quite the library they have, so I can’t wait to learn those.”

Tips on defense from Walkup

The good vibes continued as the second question arrived, with the Olympiacos duo checking out a ChatGPT response to a question about improving defense. Sikma, understanding who he had alongside him, quickly shifted this question on to Walkup, who set the all-time record for steals in a season (73) in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign.

“The most important that I see on here: stay engaged mentally,” notes Walkup. “A lot of guys fall asleep on defense and then make a simple play against a good player really difficult for themselves. As long as you’re on your toes, you’ll avoid a lot of problems.”

A new nickname for Sikma

Sikma is in his fifth EuroLeague season, but the 34-year-old forward has never been given a go-to nickname. His passing from the ‘4’ position could have resulted in a new moniker, but ChatGPT was on hand to offer a suggestion: Sikma slam.

“That’s really good,” states Walkup with a big smile on his face. “The Sikma slam! Everybody knows he’s a high flyer as well. Lives above the rim.”