The decision by Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign the supermax extension in December 2020 was somewhat anticlimactic. After all, fans (even the Bucks faithful) expected him to test the free agency market then probably form a superteam like his predecessors. It was understandable given the series of heartbreaks that he and the organization have gone through.
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks chose to trust one another via a pact of a five-year contract. And a season before the contract takes effect, Giannis led the Bucks to the NBA Finals. It's far away from a happy ending. We all know how crazy the NBA can get. Whether the Bucks win it all or not, the Greek Freak's decision to stay in Milwaukee was the right choice not just for him but for the entire league as well. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why.
Good For NBA's Ecosystem
The mere presence of the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals is already good for the NBA's current ecosystem. Over the past seasons, fans have grown familiar with superstars' tendency to press the “restart” button by moving to a different team. It's a sign that they've exhausted all their energies and are nothing but disappointed with the outcomes.
There's nothing inherently wrong with doing what you think is best for your This actually takes a lot of courage, given the hostility of some fan bases and the media. It also says a lot about how players now have the power. They're not just employees anymore which owners and executives can bully.
However, Antetokounmpo's choice to stay with the Bucks may set a precedent for the current and future stars of this league. This may sound like we’re romanticizing the idea of staying loyal to the team that picked you. The reality is, front-office executives of these small-market teams will see the Bucks-Giannis Antetokounmpo scenario as a good example to follow. It all starts from picking the right player from the draft. It doesn't matter if he's highly-touted or not.
After which is the development process which includes hiring the right coach. Then, the most important thing is to stick to the process and never let consecutive playoff heartbreaks ruin your mettle. It will be extremely difficult but it's the only way.
Small-Market Teams Really Do Have A Shot
Since 2000, only three small-market teams have been crowned NBA Champions: the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In addition, there have only been three runner-up squads that can be classified as small market teams: the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
It's no secret that small-market teams struggle to get things going. They almost always have to rely on the draft to land a set of players who can turn their franchise around. Big market teams, meanwhile, can happily rest and relax because come free agency, it's the players who will come to them.
However, the 2020-21 NBA season features two small-market teams for the first time in a very, very long time. Interestingly, NBA ratings have gone up, too. It's difficult to pinpoint what the reason is behind the rise of these small-market teams. Were they able to figure out how to beat these powerhouses?
Whatever the reason is, we can say that the league is competitive as ever. And when we look back to what evened out the competition, we can point to that fine day when Giannis Antetokounmpo opted to stay in Milwaukee. In this era where stars would do literally anything for that elusive Larry O'Brien trophy, Giannis did the least expected thing which was to continue donning the same jersey.
Legacy
Whether we like it or not, players who opted to move from team to team for that title chase will have a stain on their legacy. In the endless debates on who's the Greatest of All Time, the ones who stuck to the team which drafted them will stick out. Those who forced their way out via a trade request or those who joined an already-powerhouse team will forever be clowned by fans for their decision.
Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo snags his first ring this season or not, he has earned the respect of fans and analysts alike. As noted, he could've walked away after those heartbreaking playoff campaigns. It was clear that it wasn't him who had shortcomings. He didn't have the support he needed. Now, all of those criticisms are over. The Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo are now synonymous with one another. What the two parties achieved over the course of a few years will forever be remembered.
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