Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't present at Taylor Jenkins' introductory press conference as the new coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, but his presence still loomed large. The Greek Freak was quite a topic of conversation and made comments from afar to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (subscription required). They caused quite a stir on social media, to say the very least.
"I don’t think Milwaukee is just getting just a good coach, I think they’re getting a good person."
Are Giannis' comments meant to distance himself from Bucks?
It's interesting to refer to the team he is currently under contract with as an outside entity. Why say "Milwaukee" or "they're" rather than "we're?" Has Giannis made up his mind about a trade? Will he ask the franchise for a trade this summer and is currently laying the breadcrumbs? There's no telling, but these comments certainly had people talking.
Giannis has clearly thought about playing elsewhere. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo was "ready for a new home" in January leading up to this past trade deadline. There was chatter that he wanted to go elsewhere before the season even started. The team's worst season in a decade did not do much to alter his stance, in all likelihood.
It's clear that even he knows his days in a Bucks jersey may be coming to an end, as the forward said "we'll see" when asked about playing under newly introduced coach Taylor Jenkins.
The next few weeks are pivotal for Giannis and the Bucks
At Jenkins' presser, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said that the hope is for Giannis and the team to have this situation sorted out by the draft. That way, they will know what to do with their own pick and potentially what other pick(s) they could use during the festivities. It's a smart stance to get all of this sorted out soon rather than dragging it throughout the summer.
There is still an opportunity for these two sides to continue their partnership. Despite all of the loud chatter that loomed over the team this season, Giannis has always made it clear that he'd like to stay in town for his entire career. Things can always change, and they've never been more tense than they are right now, but the door is still open for a return.
Whether the Milwaukee Bucks trade their franchise icon or keep him, the answer is coming soon.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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