Kawhi Leonard's load management fiasco has engulfed the NBA in talks about how it should be properly handled. When it comes to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, only a few words come to mind when hearing the dreaded coined term: “I don't want to hear it.”
Head coach Mike Budenholzer admits he'd rather not have to deal with it, but understands it's a practice put in play due to recent studies showing the game demands that consciousness.
“It’s not usually my favorite topic or my favorite chore, but he’s pretty good about it,” Budenholzer told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “He’ll fight me a little bit, but he’s very respectful and great to coach.”
Antetokounmpo acknowledged his rebellious side, one seldom seen in public:
“I say I don’t want to hear it,” Antetokounmpo said of the conversations with his coach. “I’m trying to get better. I try to talk him out of it.”
Budenholzer admits it's a daunting task, but part of his job nonetheless, opting to act with some tact to garner some acceptance.
“You have to approach him the right way,” said Budenholzer. “Explain why you’re doing it and hopefully he gets it.”
It's taken only a few years, but The Greek Freak has adopted the same type of competitive fire others like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant displayed throughout their careers.
“If I don’t get my work in, I don’t feel good,” said Antetokounmpo. “Like Micheal Jordan said, hard work eliminates fear. If you don’t harvest your technique, you don’t feel good. You’re not getting a rhythm.”
Antetokounmpo is still a ripe 24 years old and has the young legs to go full-throttle without many issues, but getting him used to some load management early on will help him in the long run, if he is to play the same type of uber-athletic game for the next few years.
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