The Milwaukee Bucks are six games out of the Eastern Conference’s final play-in spot with 17 games left and are chasing the league’s hottest teams in Charlotte and Atlanta. Milwaukee’s loss to Miami on Thursday was its seventh in eight games, and they are 1-4 since Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup. It’s not that the Bucks want to lose, they’re just not a good team.
After that game, Antetokounmpo made headlines for his comments about Bam Adebayo and his 83-point performance the other night. But Antetokounmpo’s comments about the Miami Heat also raised eyebrows. Here’s what he said, by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
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“They’re going to play tough and not stop playing. That’s the culture of the Miami Heat. It’s tough. For me personally, I don’t know how the team feels, but for me personally, it’s been a tough season… I’m just trying to take it one game at a time. I’m grateful – happy that I’m here to compete. But at the same time, it’s in my nature to win…
“Miami Heat head coach [Erik Spoelstra] I’m gonna keep playing, man. Even if they don’t make the shot, you get a second chance. They’re going to crash the glass, get the rebound, find the open man, try to get to the free throw line, keep moving the ball, get it to Bam (Adebayo) and try to execute from there. They’re going to play hard. Their backs can drive, drive, kick, and that’s what they do, man. “
Antetokounmpo has been frustrated this season, and whether that’s enough to warrant him leaving the only team he’s ever played for in the NBA — his only home city since leaving Greece — is another question. No matter what moves the Bucks front office can make this offseason, there will likely be a lot to say.
This offseason, the Bucks will have an honest conversation with Antetokounmpo, which includes offering him a max contract extension. His reaction to that will set the stage for what’s to come. While many will read his comments above, look at his actions over the past year, and think they know the answer, nothing is a sure thing until he actually turns down the money Milwaukee is putting in, something he’s never done before.
That said, many teams are preparing to make offers to the Bucks this offseason.
