Milwaukee Bucks superstar and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo made headlines three weeks ago as comments about potentially leaving the Bucks continue to set NBA Twitter ablaze.
Early this summer, Antetokounmpo made his first-ever podcast appearance over at 48 Minutes, hosted by former Bucks assistant Ross Geiger.
Titled “Antetokounmpo Unplugged,” viewers get a deep dive insight into the power forward’s thoughts on his career, his reflection on the recent Bucks season, and his future in Milwaukee.
Last Season’s Loss and New Changes to the Bucks
After a 128-126 overtime loss against the Miami Heat, the top-seeded Bucks were eliminated from the NBA playoffs.
The loss came as a surprise to everyone on the court as the Bucks seemed to be well on their way toward victory. The Bucks’ 16-point lead in the fourth quarter was crushed into smithereens in 17 minutes as Heat got the upper hand.
Antetokounmpo reflected on the loss, how it motivated him, and what he hopes to do for the next season. He noted their performance in the playoffs was unsatisfactory — and in no way reflects the Bucks organization’s spirit.
“We didn’t accomplish our goals, and we played bad basketball, and my injury in the first game played a big part of my rhythm and the team’s rhythm,” said Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks superstar recently underwent surgery on his left knee and hasn’t played basketball during the offseason to recover. The successful recovery ignited his excitement to return to the court and help his team succeed.
“I want to take the challenge, and whatever at the end of the day, whatever the season leads us to, it’s going to be great,” he said.
Following the devastating five-game defeat against the Miami Heat, the Bucks decided the team needed a refresh. After five seasons, they let go of Mike Budenholzer as head coach and hired Adrian Griffin as the new head coach.
Bucks fans have high hopes for Griffin as the new head coach is known for his ability to connect and develop players on the team — especially for up-and-coming Bucks players.
Passion for Winning
Regarding his future with Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo reiterates his goal to keep winning. As one of the best players on the planet, he has high expectations to compete for more championships.
Teams that employ NBA superstars are responsible for surrounding them with the talent and resources necessary to achieve that. So it’s no wonder that Antetokounmpo wants to believe that the franchise is on the same page as he is.
“So as I said, if the Milwaukee Bucks are on the same page for the rest of my career, great. If not, I have to win. I have to win. And I think the city and people will understand it. Because I’m one of the most competitive guys, and I’ve given everything that I can for the city of Milwaukee,” he said.
Antetokounmpo is one of the hardest-working and most determined individuals in today’s NBA scene. With an average of 3.11 points per game, he was recently named No.2 by CBS Sports.
He has gained at least 30 points, ten rebounds, and five assists per game for an entire season. He easily finished in the top five of the MVP voting and was a unanimous first-team All-NBA selection for five consecutive seasons.
“I’m a Milwaukee Buck. But most importantly, I’m a winner. I want to win. And I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien, I have to take that better situation.”
