Tim Bontemps
Multiple Authors
PHILADELPHIA — After the Milwaukee Bucks‘ season-ending 126-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave contradicting messages about his future.
On one hand, he stated that he is not positive whether or not he has performed his ultimate recreation with the Bucks, the one franchise the longer term Hall of Famer has ever performed for in his 13-year NBA profession. But Antetokounmpo did not shut the door on signing one other extension in October if it is supplied to him.
Antetokounmpo took questions for about 10 minutes — a short while after coach Doc Rivers, who is departing because the Bucks’ coach, completed his media session.
“That’s a very good question,” Antetokounmpo stated when requested whether or not he has performed his final recreation in a Milwaukee uniform. “I don’t know. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.”
Throughout his media session, Antetokounmpo didn’t disguise his frustration relating to this season, saying the Bucks are as removed from competition as they had been at any level in his profession and discussing the shortage of communication with the franchise.
“I feel like sometimes people just don’t listen,” he stated. “They listen to the sources. The main source is me. It is what it is. So again, do not disturb on my phone, go about my day, improve, and come back better.”
But the place will Antetokounmpo be taking part in when he comes again? How Milwaukee handles this example is without doubt one of the greatest NBA offseason questions, particularly after the Bucks listened to gives for him earlier than February’s commerce deadline.
Antetokounmpo has additionally been pissed off about the group not clearing him to play regardless of his insistence that he is wholesome after he suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise final month. He additionally wished to play alongside his two brothers, Thanasis and Alex, who’re additionally on the roster, however the Bucks stated he wasn’t bodily able to play.
“At this point? Zero,” Antetokounmpo stated when requested if he had management over his scenario. “I don’t have control. Being cleared to play, I don’t understand … from my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play. I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.
“I do not know who stated that, who got here up with that, however that is disrespectful in direction of what I’ve achieved for this group and the best way I carry myself my entire profession, just about.
“But I did what I was supposed to do. I wasn’t able to come on the court now. Who has that say? It probably comes from my boss, probably comes from the members of the front office or the owners. So, I thought I had control, kind of like, ‘OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play.’ But this shows me that not just me, just players in general, don’t have no control. We got to do what we’ve been told. So, to answer your question, no. I didn’t feel like I had control.”
When Antetokounmpo was requested whether or not the friction with the Bucks comes all the way down to a communication breakdown, he talked with a smile about his marriage and the way communication strengthens his bond together with his spouse.
“I’m very big on communication,” Antetokounmpo stated. “I’ve always been open, but I don’t know if that … it’s got to go both ways. It has to go both ways. That cannot go one way.”
Two-way communication might come into play throughout potential extension talks within the fall — presuming Antetokounmpo is not traded within the offseason. Last month, Bucks proprietor Wes Edens advised ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that Antetokounmpo will both be prolonged or traded earlier than he can turn into an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer season.
When requested if he’d be keen to comply with an extension if he is nonetheless on the group in October, Antetokounmpo did not rule out the likelihood.
“We’ll see when we get there,” Antetokounmpo stated. “We have [several] months [until then] … it’s a long time. But somebody has to offer you that, for you to sign. I haven’t been offered an extension. So, if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family.
“But if it is not on the desk, then I’ve to concentrate on how can I enhance my price and get on the ground and do what I do.”
Either way, the Bucks have a lot to sort out this summer. They’ll be seeking a new coach, and more changes are possible. But that’s to be expected after the franchise’s nine-year postseason streak was snapped, with the Bucks finishing 32-50 this season. Antetokounmpo made it clear he thinks the record reflects the team’s status.
“We’re very dangerous. We are the furthest away that we have been within the final couple of years,” he said. “How many wins we now have? 32? This is the second-lowest wins I’ve ever received. So yeah, we are the furthest away that we have been, I feel. So, we’ll see.
“This is what we have in front of us. I didn’t think we’re going to be in this position last year, so I don’t know what position we’re going to be next year.
“So, if every thing goes nicely, hopefully, the Bucks need me right here, why not? But if they do not? OK.”
