Giannis Antetokounmpo: Uncertain Future with the Bucks?
After the Milwaukee Bucks’ defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo has raised doubts about his future with the team. In a post-game interview, the player expressed uncertainty about whether this was his last game with the Bucks, the only franchise he has played for in his 13-year NBA career. However, he did not rule out signing an extension in October if offered. Antetokounmpo answered questions for approximately 10 minutes, shortly after coach Doc Rivers finished his session with the media. “That’s a very good question,” Antetokounmpo said when asked if he had played his last game in a Milwaukee jersey. “I don’t know. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.” During the interview, Antetokounmpo did not hide his frustration with the season, stating that the Bucks are further from competing than at any other point in his career and criticizing the lack of communication with the franchise.Antetokounmpo’s situation is one of the biggest unknowns of the NBA offseason, especially after the Bucks listened to offers for him before the trade deadline in February. The player also expressed his frustration at not having been authorized to play, despite insisting that he was healthy after a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise last month. He also wished to play alongside his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, but the Bucks considered that he was not physically ready. “At this moment? Zero,” Antetokounmpo responded when asked if he had control over his situation. “I have no control. I don’t understand… according to my understanding, to play again, something that I think I never had any return-to-play protocol, but according to my understanding I had to play 3-on-3 to be available to play. I did it several times. Never in my life have I denied participation in practice.” I don’t know who said that, who made that up, but that’s a lack of respect for what I’ve done for this team and the way I’ve behaved throughout my career, more or less. But I did what I was supposed to do. I couldn’t get on the court now. Who has that opinion? It probably comes from my boss, it probably comes from the office members or the owners. So, I thought I had control, something like, ‘OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play’. But this shows me that not only me, but the players in general, we have no control. We have to do what we are told. So, to answer your question, no. I didn’t feel like I had control.” When asked if the friction with the Bucks is due to a communication failure, Antetokounmpo spoke with a smile about his marriage and how communication strengthens his bond with his wife. “I’m a big believer in communication,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’ve always been open, but I don’t know if that… it has to go both ways. It has to go both ways. That can’t go one way.”I feel like sometimes people just don’t listen. They listen to the sources. The main source is me. It is what it is. So again, don’t bother my phone, I’m going to continue with my day, get better and come back better.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Two-way communication could be key in potential extension negotiations in the fall, assuming Antetokounmpo isn’t traded in the offseason. Last month, Bucks owner Wes Edens stated that Antetokounmpo will either be extended or traded before he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
When asked if he would be willing to accept an extension if he is still on the team in October, Antetokounmpo did not rule out the possibility. “We’ll see when we get there,” Antetokounmpo said. “We have [several] months [until then]… it’s a long time. But someone has to offer you that, for you to sign it. I haven’t been offered an extension. So, if that’s on the table, then I’ll try to make the best decision for me and my family. “But if it’s not on the table, then I have to focus on how I can improve my value and get out on the court and do what I do.” Either way, the Bucks have a lot to figure out this summer. They will look for a new coach and more changes may occur. But that’s to be expected after the franchise’s nine-season playoff streak was broken, with the Bucks finishing with a 32-50 record this season. Antetokounmpo made it clear that he believes the record reflects the state of the team. “We are very bad. We are further away than in recent years,” he said. “How many victories do we have? 32? These are the second lowest victories I have won. So yes, I think we are further away than ever. We’ll see.” This is what lies ahead. I didn’t think we would be in this position last year, so I don’t know what position we will be in next year. So, if all goes well, hopefully, the Bucks want me here, why not? But if they don’t? OK.”
