The Milwaukee Bucks did not make the long playoff run that everyone expected them to make. After finishing the regular season with the best record in the NBA, they lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat in the first round. Star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed three games with a back injury, but the team held the lead late in multiple games. Their inability to adjust and failure to make a deep run for the second year in a row cost head coach Mike Budenholzer his job. Now, a great deal of speculation is floating around social media regarding who the next coach will be.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Feels Disrespected
There is no reason to believe that Giannis was not on board with the decision to move on from Coach Budenholzer. In fact, his own post game comments following their playoff elimination hinted that he was not happy with all of the decisions Budenholzer made.
That being said, Giannis is feeling disrespected, and he made it known on social media along with a promise that he will be back with vengeance:
I’m tired of the disrespect. I’m coming. pic.twitter.com/eMRPb6kbLJ
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 9, 2023
Disrespect? What could he be referring to?
While the two-time MVP did not offer any explanation, it is easy to see what he is likely referring to. Last week, he finished third in MVP voting behind winner Joel Embiid and the winner of the last two MVP awards, Nikola Jokic. In addition, today the NBA announced its All NBA Defensive Teams. Both Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez were deservedly named to the First Team. Giannis was not named to either the First or the Second Team.
Listen: Giannis has made it known before that he does not care about regular season recognitions. He cares about winning championships. He cares about his legacy.
This season saw him and his team eliminated in perhaps the most embarrassing playoff series loss in franchise history. He finished third in MVP voting while becoming the first player ever to average 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists on 55%+ shooting. He also finished in the top 10 of defensive win shares (he finished third if centers were not considered).
The fact that Giannis was not named to an All Defensive Team is ridiculous. He is among the best defenders in the NBA and was All Defense in each of the past five seasons.
Now Giannis is angry. Now he feels disrespected. Now he feels like his legacy is on the line.
The NBA better watch out.
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