With two solid victories to start the season, the Bucks have shown they could be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Following a 118-101 victory over the Pacers on Friday night, the first regular season game their new arena, the Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee’s star player had a resounding endorsement.
While it’s too early to put too much stock into any one game, Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s comments after Friday’s win can only be a sign of encouragement for his long-term future in Milwaukee.
“New arena, new practice facility, new coach,” Antetokounmpo said, per ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “This is the right time to be a Buck.”
A lot has been made of Antetokounmpo’s possible long-term future in Milwaukee. The 6-foot-10 big man has proven himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and talented young players. However, after making the postseason as the seventh seed followed by a first-round exit, it was reasonable to wonder if Antetokounmpo would be looking to join a large market, perennial contender in the future.
The Greece native signed a four-year, $100MM extension in September 2016. But with a solid start to this season, he feels Milwaukee can beat any team in the league.
“I feel we can beat any team on any night,” Antetokounmpo said. “We have a really, really good opportunity to do good stuff this year, so hopefully we can work hard, go back and work on our craft, and be able to execute and compete every night.”
Not related, but Bleacher Report says the Miami Heat offer that was declined by Minnesota was Richardson, Olynyk, and a 1st round pick. Thibbs wasn’t going to trade Butler. After his 33 points on 10 of 12 shooting last night, that won’t get him out of Minnesota.
That would be a good deal, except that loads up MIN at F with a hole at 2G. Probably be Rose, who would do okay until he gets injured.
Richardson plays the 2
And he looks very healthy and is a great basketball player. That’s too much for 1 year of Jimmy.
He doesn’t seem to like the middle of the offense that I’ve seen. But okay, better him than Wiggins or Rose at 2G I suppose.