Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo's future is at the center of the NBA world with under two weeks to go until the start of the 2020-21 season.
Antetokounmpo has until Dec. 21 to sign a supermax extension with the Bucks, which he doesn't want to talk about. Otherwise, he's ticketed for free agency in 2021. It is a decision that is sure to have massive ramifications for the rest of the league, and — should he decline the supermax — give this season a feeling of championship or bust for Milwaukee.
Only, Giannis does not believe that to be the case.
Antetokounmpo channeled his inner Paul George during Wednesday's media availability, suggesting the incremental gains add up to a title:
“I don't believe it is a championship or bust situation and nobody wants to win a championship more than me,” Antetokounmpo said, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “But you have to keep getting better step-by-step.”
This is a curious answer, considering Antetokounmpo could be wearing a different uniform come next season.
Giannis' comments were evocative of what George said after the Los Angeles Clippers blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets during the Western Conference Semifinals.
George's statement was equally interesting, considering he and Kawhi Leonard can opt out of their deals with the Clippers after this season.
But while Antetokounmpo might not feel like it's championship or bust (Mike Budenholzer has said similar), the Bucks have certainly been acting as if that is indeed the case.
Milwaukee gave up a ton of future draft capital — plus Eric Bledsoe and George Hill — in order to acquire Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bucks also tried to orchestrate a sign-and-trade involving Bogdan Bogdanovic, though those efforts fell apart.
Needless to say, Antetokounmpo is trying to be diplomatic when it comes to his future.
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