As part of an appearance on Tuesday morning's episode of ESPN's “Get Up,” former Slam Dunk Contest champion and eight-time All-Star Vince Carter likened Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard.
During his appearance, Carter noted that Antetokounmpo needs “a big-time scorer” to play alongside. And despite the fact that rumors are swirling about his future with the Bucks, Vince thinks The Greek Freak will stay in Milwaukee like Dame has stayed in Portland despite not winning a title:
“He needs a big-time scorer,” Carter said of Giannis Antetokounmpo. “He needs a go-to guy — a guy who can go get a bucket.
“I honestly really don't foresee Giannis leaving,” Carter added. “I think it's encouraging hearing what he's hearing from the organization. I look at him like a Damian Lillard, who feels like he can win a championship there and that he's good enough to where guys want to come play with him. (Milwaukee) is not the biggest market in the world, but I don't think that matters. Guys will migrate to a good team, if need be.”
.@mrvincecarter15 sees Giannis as a "Damian Lillard," staying in Milwaukee.
"I honestly don't foresee Giannis leaving." pic.twitter.com/aOh3K9pe75
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) September 15, 2020
Earlier this week, news came down the wire stating that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks held a lengthy meeting to discuss their future:
ESPN Sources: MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's 3-hour lunch with Bucks co-owner/governor Marc Lasry on Friday covered the season, how Bucks can improve roster, Lasry confirming willingness to spend into luxury tax and agreement they’ll talk again after Giannis returns from a vacation.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 14, 2020
The Bucks finished the 2019-20 regular season campaign with a 56-17 overall record, which was the best mark in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee beat Orlando in the opening round of the playoffs, winning the series by a count of four games to one. In the second round, however, the Bucks ran into a red-hot Miami Heat team, resulting in a 4-1 series loss.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be wearing green and white in the coming season? And if so, who might the Bucks look to add around him? For now, we'll have to wait and see.