As the Milwaukee Bucks ramp up preparations for the new season, the players spoke to the assembled media at the team’s practice facility for Monday’s Media Day.
As the players and key figures within the organization spoke to the media on Monday, Milwaukee Bucks fans were safe in the knowledge that Bucks basketball is finally back.
The team’s traditional Media Day took place at the Bucks’ brand new practice facility, as the team prepares to ramp preparations up significantly ahead of the start of training camp on Tuesday.
Coming off the back of a strong finish to last season, and a spirited playoff showing, the mood at Media Day was overwhelmingly positive among the owners, general manager, head coach and players alike.
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Every player currently under contract with the Bucks spoke on the day, including the five players who are currently on training camp deals, and the returning Gary Payton II whose deal is non-guaranteed.
While those players will be set to battle it out for the 15th and final roster spot, along with perhaps the pair of two-way spots currently open, the other 14 players will have their eyes set on the preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks which is now just a week away.
If you missed any of the Media Day action, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive roundup of some of the key quotes from those in attendance on the day.
So, let’s get down to it!
Marc Lasry, Wes Edens, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitelli
Fascitelli on the new facilites and construction progress on the new arena:
"“The parking lot right next door will be finished by November. And then the arena, as you can see, is on schedule for an opening in the 2018 season, but we’ll probably have the arena finished some time in August or at the latest September.”"
Lasry on the continuity in the roster:
"“One of the things we decided is that we’ve got a phenomenal core, and we all know we do. And I think part of it is that when we looked at this offseason, we all wanted to sort of add a little bit on the edges, but we’ve got a great core and as long as they keep developing, I think we’re going to get to a championship.”"
Edens on ownership’s expectations:
"“We expect to win a championship. That’s what we said the first day we showed up in front of you guys and that hasn’t changed at all. Everything that we do is focused on that, and I think it’s not a matter of setting a goal for another few games to win, or another playoff series. Those are all milestones on what is really the ultimate journey, and that is that we want to have a championship team, and I think we’ve a really good chance at continuing to build towards that.”"
Edens on the decision-making process:
"“We, as a group, collaborate. And like with all good partnerships, you’re not going to agree on everything, and we basically run the organization and say on the most material things, who the coach is, who the GM is, we’re going to agree on. And we’re going to work on those until we agree, and it has worked exceptionally well. I’ve been in lots of different partnerships in business, and this is one of the most successful I have. And it’s not the easiest because people do write articles and talk about it on talk radio, and there’s a lot of that happens publicly that wouldn’t in other organizations you are in, but it’s a collaboration and that’s the way we really run it.”"
Dinan on ownership’s function:
"“We all view ourselves as stewards of this team. We don’t envision ourselves as owners, we basically assumed stewardship and we all want the same thing, and we all have the same goals, and that’s what really makes it work.”"
Jon Horst
Horst on building his staff:
"“We jumped right in after I got hired and we started with the draft. Really excited with our draft. Dug into free agency, and throughout that process, we were obviously doing all of our strategic meetings as a staff with the group that we had, but also trying to identify how we wanted to build out the staff going forward from there. We were able to hire Ryan Hoover, VP of scouting, Dave Dean we promoted to be the GM of the Herd and VP of basketball operations, guys like David Mincberg and Matt Bollero. The goal was to bring high energy, intelligent people into this group, who really work the way we want to work in strategy, and execute the plan we have here.”"
Horst on maintaining roster continuity:
"“It’s intentional. It’s not like we didn’t turn over every stone, didn’t work, didn’t make our calls, didn’t investigate every opportunity to make this team better. And that’s the things that we’re going to constantly try to do from my seat and my group. We’re going to strategically explore those things to constantly try and get better, but we saw a young team that was the youngest or second youngest in the league last season. We started two rookies in the playoffs and had a really competitive series with Toronto. We knew we were going to come into this season with a top-10 type player on our team along with our core, and said why would we change that.”"
Horst on Giannis’ knee:
"“No concerns with his knee. There was an issue, obviously a real issue, but it was a wear and tear issue. We just needed him to be off of his knee, to get the appropriate rehab and the appropriate rest, and that was best suited here in Milwaukee. That’s taken place, he’s rehabbed extremely hard and extremely well, and there’ll be no setbacks for training camp.”"
Horst on Jabari’s recovery and potential contract extension:
"“He’s hit every mark on the schedule that Troy [Flanagan] and Suki [Hobson] have for him. He’s on track, looking stronger and healthier than he ever has, and we truly believe he’s going to come back that way. In terms of the contract, we have a decision to make by the middle of October, and the injury part of it is a factor in the discussions, of course. We’re having great discussions with his representatives, we’re going to continue to work through that, and hopefully, the goal is to come to an extension agreement. If we don’t, the goal is that we can have the same type of productive conversations as a restricted free agent and a player we value significantly in our franchise.”"
Jason Kidd
Kidd on expectations in a weakened Eastern Conference:
"“I think when you talk about expectations that’s just part of the gig. And for us, we worked extremely hard to put ourselves in this position of the expectations, but being the second youngest team in the league we still have to take steps in the right direction. And that’s being accountable, playing hard, protecting your teammates and having fun. If we can do those things, it will take care of the expectations.”"
Kidd on continuity around the organization:
"“When you talk about continuity it starts at the top, and Dave Dean and Jon Horst have been here. You talk about John Henson being the longest [tenured] Buck. You talk about this young group being together for the last three years. So when you talk about continuity, hopefully it can give us an advantage.”"
Kidd on luxury tax in the future:
"“Looking to see what the team needs, and at some point you know we’re going to have to make that decision of is the time right to go over the tax, or is it still to keep developing and get as far in the playoffs with the team we have.”"
Kidd on searching for consistency:
"“The marathon is never smooth, no matter how talented your team. There’s always going to be a down period, there’s always going to be an up, and I think the good teams know how to handle the down. I thought for our group being young, and kinda new faces, they listened to not just the coaches, but also each other.”"
Kidd on the defensive scheme:
"“I think when you look at the makeup of our team, teams that win championships play both ends. Golden State and Cleveland, they know how to play, they’re older teams. Again, for us, there’s a lot of switching going on in the league so maybe we look at doing that a little bit more. With our personnel we can switch 1-through-5 pretty much. But we’re going to continue to be aggressive on the defensive end, and continuity helps with that because guys know what to expect.”"
Kidd on whether Giannis’ greatness will be defined by his jump shot:
"“I would say no. He’s already great. For some who say he doesn’t shoot it well, we all think he does shoot it well. Because he does so many other things great, we try to nitpick at what people can’t do, instead of supporting what they can do. And at the end of the day, he’s learning how to win at the highest level, and some of the greatest players who’ve played this game couldn’t do something. There was never a player who could do it all, and so if he’s the first to do it all, I’m happy I’m on his side!”"
Jason Terry
Terry on his return:
"“There really was no decision for me to make. I mean, this was obviously where I wanted to be, to build upon what we’ve already done last season. That is to continue to build the culture, the winning culture, the championship culture here, and to continue to mold these young players into champions.”"
Terry on the team’s recent mini-camp in Santa Barbara:
"“This was a team decision that we wanted to do to get together. The teams I’ve been on in the past have done similar things, so the veteran group of guys were able to do it. I think we had everybody but two guys able to attend, so a good bulk of us were there. It was all about continuing to build on our chemistry, and then putting in a little bit of work and making sure guys were in some decent kind of shape in early September, and now we’re here.”"
Terry on targets for the season ahead:
"“Big goal for us is Eastern Conference Finals, top five in defense, top five in assists. We know those key stats mean we’re going to win a lot of basketball games, or have an opportunity to win.”"
Terry on the team’s new facilities:
"“I think this just gives new life. I mean when you walk in this building every day, this is work, this is home, and it feels that way when you step in this building.”"
Tony Snell
Snell on re-signing in Milwaukee:
"“I’m very excited to be back. Just being with this team, and the amount of talent, and the growth we could have in this team is through the roof. And it was a pretty easy decision to come back with the way we fought in the playoffs. The fight was always there, and being more mature, and playing with these guys made me happy here. So it was real easy to come back.”"
Snell on working with the similarly skilled Khris Middleton:
"“Just being able to work together. Communicating off the court, and trying to build chemistry. Knowing where both of our strengths are to rely on them for this team, and to help the team win. We’re just trying to feed off of each other.”"
Snell on the schedule changes:
"“I’m the type of guy who likes to keep going. There’s a lot of games going, and I’m going to keep my mind sharp and body sharp, and just keep going.”"
Snell on defense:
"“I’m a defensive-minded type of guy. I play defense to the top. I’m the type of guy who will start on the defensive end just trying to get defensive stops. Just trying to build this team — because of the amount of length we have and everybody is like really tall — we’re going to use our length to get defensive stops and that should help us out a lot.”"
Jabari Parker
Parker on staying involved during his recovery:
"“Just showing up to practice is the main thing for me. Just taking baby steps, and making sure I always communicate and interact with my teammates.”"
Parker on his recovery progress
"“I can do everything right now. It’s just building that, making it repetitive, and growing in that aspect.”"
Parker on recent political and social protests taking place throughout sports:
"“I think that anybody with any responsibility has an opportunity to create change and take a side. And you have good and you have bad, there’s no in between. Because when you’re in the middle, you’re in favor with the oppressor. And that’s a quote by Desmond Tutu.”"
Parker on entering a contract year:
"“I just focus on what I can improve and I try to erase all the distractions and the outside noise, because my life is on the line, and I want to get better. This is where I want to be, but at this point, it’s not my choice.”"
Parker on the new practice facility:
"“It’s a blessing to have state-of-the art equipment. Being able to use a huge weight room, and you know, two courts now is making a big difference because we used to have to use all the rims around one court. But now everybody gets their space, and I get the attention that I need while they’re able to play pickup. So it makes a major difference.”"
Malcolm Brogdon
Brogdon on building on his rookie year:
"“I think you have to look at your rookie season, look at your past season, and really build on whatever mistakes you made. Whether it’s look at film, or think about the times you were really tired and at what points during the season, and be able to anticipate that and prevent it as much as possible. And then I think it’s just about going ahead and playing. I’ve worked really hard, harder than I ever have, this summer, on my body and on my skill-set, and it’s important for me to go out and play.”"
Brogdon on increasing his leadership:
"“I think it’s expected of me from Coach Kidd. I think my teammates expect it of me for me to have a voice, especially as a point guard on the floor. You have to have a voice, you have to be able to command people a little bit. You’ve got to be able to listen as well. But that’s an important role that I want to step into.”"
Brogdon on his focus coming into the season:
"“For me it’s always about…the one thing I can control is coming in in top shape. I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Whether that’s cutting a few pounds — I did that. I’m eating cleaner. It’s just important to take care of your body as much as possible going into training camp and going into the season.”"
Brogdon on working with Matthew Dellavedova:
"“The one thing I’ve learned from Delly is how to be a professional. Regardless of his circumstance, he continues to work hard. He continues to show up to work every day. He continues to compete, and be a great teammate. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve had, and he’s truly shown me how vets learn how to be professionals.”"
Thon Maker
Maker on his summer:
"“I think I had a great summer. I was here for the most part. I spent some time with my family, hit the weight room a little bit, but mostly I was working on my basketball.”"
Maker on the biggest challenge of his rookie season:
"“The toughest part was probably handling the off-court stuff at the same time as the on-court, and knowing that on-court is a business, and you’ve got to be able to perform and also live a regular life.”"
Maker on postseason play:
"“I enjoyed the playoffs last year. And it felt great just being on the court and getting to experience it. I can always carry that going forward, and knowing now that when we get to the playoffs, what kind of ball game it is, what we have to do to win, and how important execution is.”"
Maker on the team’s defense late last season:
"“That was what I was talking about pre-draft when I came out with the statement of ‘Team all-length’. I think it was shown by each guy, because we didn’t just go out there and go through the motions. We were playing hard, we held each other accountable, and everyone was performing using that length.”"
Maker on his biggest focus coming into the season:
"“I had to hit the weight rooms hard this offseason. I was working on my base a lot. I knew I needed to take care of my joints, my knees and ankles. Being this tall and having to guard bigger guys and also move with the smaller guys, it’s going to wear on your body. So I have to take care of my body, and that comes from building a strong base.”"
Greg Monroe
Monroe on continuity:
"“I think it’s huge. We have a younger team, but just having guys back, and guys who were in the rotation and a part of our core, it’ll be huge for us. Our first month is pretty tough, we play a lot of good teams, but I think already being familiar with each other it will just be about trying to get a rhythm early. And like I said, taking what good happened last year and making sure it carries over.”"
Monroe on getting a taste of the playoffs:
"“It was a great experience. It meant a whole lot. That was just one of my goals. If you’re a true competitor in this league that’s what it’s all about. Getting as far as you can, and obviously I’d like to go further, but the experience was unbelievable. Especially, when we came back here to the BMO, the fans here were out of this world. It’s just a night that I’ll always remember.”"
Monroe on playoff goals for this season:
"“We were able to get into the playoffs last year, but one of our goals is to definitely be playing in multiple rounds. That’s something that as a team we’ve definitely talked about, and it’s one of our main goals.”"
Monroe on Sixth Man of the Year aspirations:
"“That’s something on my mind for sure, but I understand that comes with team success. I would much rather be a champion, or you know, get as far as we can. I won’t go out there to play for personal goals, that’s never been my thing, but I just want to perform at the highest level possible personally to help the team win.”"
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo on improving:
"“I’m just trying to take it day by day, do whatever it takes for me to get better, and I know by doing that I’m going to help the team to get better.”"
Antetokounmpo on continuity:
"“I think it gives us an advantage as a team as we don’t have to take that step to figure out things. As Khris said, a lot of people have said that the East is wide open. A lot of trades have happened, a lot of people went from the East to the West. But we have the same core, the same players are back. The front office did a great job with that, and that gives us an advantage because in the first game, at the first tip-off, we’re going to be ready.”"
Antetokounmpo on putting his improvements from last season into practice again this year:
"“I think last year I could see the court better. Starting the year I never noticed how much attention I’d draw from the defense. Now watching on clips, I’m seeing how much attention I drew, and I just hope that I’m going to be able to make the right passes that I’ve been working all summer on.”"
Antetokounmpo on how his life has changed:
"“My life hasn’t changed. I still try to stay grounded. I have people around me who help me with that — my parents, my brothers, my teammates. I’ve just moved downtown. I’m closer to the arena now, that’s it.”"
Antetokounmpo on Kobe Bryant‘s challenge:
"“That’s a great compliment coming from Kobe, one of the greatest players to ever play the game, but you’ve got to take steps toward that. You can’t be MVP if your team doesn’t win, so I’ve got to do whatever it takes for our team, the Milwaukee Bucks, to win."
Antetokounmpo on leaving the Cousins Center:
"“After the day they told us we got to move, I was out there asking if I could buy the building and make it like a home, but it was going to be hard to maintain.”"
Antetokounmpo on his knee and missing EuroBasket:
"“Right now I’m getting better day-by-day. My knee feels a lot better. That decision was tough. It was really hard, it’s kinda hard when you have a whole country behind you that expects you to play. It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made as an athlete, but I think it was the better thing for me and my family. This wasn’t just a decision that I didn’t want to play; I could not play.”"
Khris Middleton
Middleton on last year’s playoff loss:
"“It was a tough series. Like Giannis said, we felt like we were the better team, but Toronto they just put it to us those last two or three games. They made it really challenging, they changed the way they played, and that changed the way we tried to play.”"
Middleton on expectations in the weakened East:
"“As a team we know where we want to get to. It’s all about working. It’s not going to be easy. Everybody is saying the East is wide open and that it’s going to be easy, but it’s not. All the teams are working for the same goal, and you’ve got other great players and great teams still.”"
Middleton on how he’s feeling post-injury:
"“I feel great. Last time I had a great summer it was the best I’d felt in a long time, and this summer is the same thing. I put a lot of work into my body, tried to change the way I eat, my training. I’ve spent a lot of time with the training staff here, just trying to get my leg strong, back to where it was and even stronger, and just overall strength. But I feel great, better than I did coming into last season.”"
Middleton on the new practice facility:
"“This feels like home. You feel comfortable as soon as you step in, as soon as you park your car downstairs. It’s a great space. They did a great job of designing it with the medical team here. They asked us for our input on whatever we wanted here, and they tried to make it happen. So this place is great, I can’t wait to get started here tomorrow morning.”"
Middleton on his partnership with Giannis:
"“The longer you’re with someone the more you get to know them. We’ve been together for five years starting tomorrow, so we know each other. He knows how I like to play, I know how he likes to play. I’m a shooter so that opens up the lane for him, he’s a driver so guys are going to help and that’s going to leave me open.”"
John Henson
Henson on what he worked on this summer:
"“Improving on my overall game, my jump shot, finishing, both hands around the rim, staying in shape. You know, they made our conditioning tests a little harder this year, so I was making sure I was ready for that.”"
Henson on his fellow centers:
"“I’m excited for Thon. Second year in the league, he’s going to play an integral role in this team, and I’m just here to help him and be ready when my number is called. That’s all you can do, be professional. Hopefully he takes that next step and becomes who we think he can be. And Moose is going to be Moose, man. He’s an old head now, I think year eight, so he’s going to do what he does. You can put him out there for whatever minutes and he’s going to do well."
Mirza Teletovic
Teletovic on his summer focus:
"“I tried to improve in the different situations that I had last year. It was my first year in Milwaukee with the team, so basically at the moment we’re doing our set plays and stuff like that, and the shots that I was getting, trying to work on those.”"
Teletovic on hoping for a strong second season:
"“When you have the same core and the same guys it makes it easier for me. Last year, coming in, you had to learn the system, you had to learn the defensive scheme and the way we want to defend and everything, and then just getting the different shots I was getting last year. I definitely feel way more comfortable than I was feeling last year.”"
Matthew Dellavedova
Dellavedova on returning teammates:
"“I think it’s exciting that we’ve brought everyone back, and I think we had a good thing going, at the end of last year in particular, and we’re looking to build on that this year.”"
Dellavedova on the Bucks’ place in Eastern Conference changes:
"“I think it’s a good position to be in, because continuity in basketball and getting to know each other on and off the court really means something.”"
Dellavedova on the benefits of playoff experience:
"“Any time you can get playoff experience it’s obviously good. We would have liked to get more, but I think the guys did a great job. At the same time, it also shows them what level you need to be working at for the whole offseason because that’s the whole goal. You play the whole regular season to get that opportunity in the playoffs and do something once you’re there.”"
D.J. Wilson
Wilson on expectations for his rookie season:
"“My goal is just for us to have a better year than we had last year. You know, win more games, deeper run into the playoffs and hopefully come out of the East.”"
Wilson on fitting in with his new teammates:
"“They’ve been great, especially the vets. You know, taking me under their wing, watching film with them, breaking down the schemes when we play in scrimmage and what not, and then just after practice talking to me.”"
Wilson on his role:
"“We’ll see as the season goes on, and as practice goes on, but you know I’m just going to go out there every day and compete my hardest. You know, fit in before I stand out.”"
Sterling Brown
Brown on what he hopes to get from his rookie season:
"“I’m just expecting to go out there and learn as much as I can, and when my number is called, then I just have to go out there and perform.”"
Brown on being a versatile fit with the Bucks:
"“That’s what I do, just go out there and play. No set positions or none of that, just go out there and make a winning play, make something happen however you can, and that’s what I’m going to do.”"
Brown on having mentors like Khris Middleton and Tony Snell at his position:
"“Khris has been helping me out since day one. Giving me pointers, advice, and stuff I should look at, stuff I should do. Tony, as well. Definitely looking up, I’ve got two great guys ahead of me, and I look forward to learning as much as I can from them and implementing all of that into my game.”"
Rashad Vaughn
Vaughn on his third year goals:
"“I’m excited, and I’m prepared. With a couple of years under my belt, and just being under a lot o these guys and learning from them, I think I’m ready. I’m ready to come in and help.”"
Vaughn on the importance of preseason for him:
"“Preseason is very important just to come out and show basically what you’ve been doing for the summer. And starting from training camp and going into preseason is definitely going to be the time for me to show the coaches that I’m ready.”"
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: The NBA 2K18 all-time snub team
The Bucks will kick off their preseason schedule on October 2 against the Dallas Mavericks, while training camp gets underway on Tuesday.