With the Milwaukee Bucks heading into what should be a grueling postseason ahead, reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has come out with a rather pessimistic statement pertaining to his team's chances in the playoffs.

When asked if he thinks the Bucks will fare better this year than they have in previous seasons, Giannis was surprisingly blunt with his response (h/t NBA Central on Twitter):

“I don't know if this year is going to be different. I’m not gonna lie to you,” stated the Bucks star. “… Might be the same. Who knows? We'll see.”

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Well, that's not very encouraging. This is definitely not what you want to hear from your team's talisman heading into a tough opening-round test against the Miami Heat. Let's not forget that it was Miami who eliminated the Bucks last season in the second round, and while Milwaukee is considered to be the favorites this year (again), you can never count out Jimmy Butler and his Heat.

Then again, maybe this is Giannis' unique way of rallying the troops, so to speak. Playing down your team's chances and tempering expectations isn't exactly a conventional approach, but maybe Antetokounmpo wants to try something new with the Bucks this time around.

At the end of the day, what will matter the most is what happens on the basketball court.