End of deer list: The 10 moments and milestones that defined the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2020
Giannis Antetokounmpo signing his supermax extension, committing long-term to Milwaukee Bucks
For as much of a rollercoaster the Bucks’ offseason turned out to be, it ended in the best way possible for all Bucks fans.
It was early in the afternoon on December 15 where Giannis Antetokounmpo made his stunning announcement that he was signing his five-year supermax extension and committing to the Bucks for the next five years at the very least.
By signing what is currently the richest contract in NBA history, Antetokounmpo dispelled all of the fears that the organization, Bucks fans and the city of Milwaukee had been increasingly facing as the Bucks climbed to the top of the league. And Antetokounmpo’s decision immediately extended a championship window that he has made possible for the Bucks in recent years.
The significance of Antetokounmpo choosing to stay in Milwaukee for at least the prime of his NBA career certainly wasn’t lost on anyone, Bucks fans or not. As Antetokounmpo explained himself, it was all about repaying the faith that the Bucks gave him more than seven years ago when they selected him 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft:
"“I’m a man of my word. This is big. Being with the team that trusted me, believed in me, took care of me and my family, took care of me financially. I always want to give back. And I’ve been trying to give back since day one. I’ve got more to give and I love this city. I love playing with my teammates. I love this organization. At the end of the day, it’s easy to dip at the first chance. But that’s not me as a person. It’s tough because nowhere you go are you guaranteed to win a championship. I know who I am, I know that I’m a man of my word. It might take me 10 years, I might never win a championship, I might win five. Whatever the case might be, I know who I am and I know what I believe and I stuck with the people who believed in me.”"
By declaring that he’s in it for the long haul, Antetokounmpo made it clear that Milwaukee is his home. Barring winning an NBA championship, there will be no greater feeling or kinship that Bucks fans will have in their lifetime than that.
Next. Jon Horst talks embracing versatility this season. dark
With that look down memory lane complete, we’ll have to wait and see what’s in store for the Milwaukee Bucks throughout 2021. Have a happy and healthy new year, everyone!