Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear that as long as the Milwaukee Bucks remain committed to contending for NBA Championships, he is happy to rock the green jersey. While there was plenty of chatter about the Greek Freak's future heading into the summer, it's clear that he's ready to hit the hardwood for his 13th season with the Bucks, as his commitment remains strong.
The Greek Freak seemingly approves of his new-look supporting cast
With training camp about to open and NBA rosters nearing finalization, Giannis isn't going to request a trade from the Bucks anytime soon. If it wasn't obvious enough, the team also signed his brother, Thanasis, to a contract recently after he missed all of last season with an injury. It would be flat-out shocking for him to seek a new home this late in the offseason and with his brother on the squad.
There have been hints all summer that Giannis would be staying put. From the superstar repeating, "All in Milwaukee, baby," to a fan saying he would spend his entire career in the 414, to rumors that he played a part in recruiting Myles Turner to the Bucks, it felt obvious that Giannis wouldn't be leaving the city he's spent his entire NBA career in soon.
Despite Giannis consistently dropping hints that he'd like to spend his entire career in Milwaukee and teammates backing that up, speculation persists. In past years, it was easy to brush it off, but there's no doubt that the three consecutive first-round exits made things at least a little more tense this year, even if he did ultimately decide to stick around. Now, the pressure is on for next season. After years of falling short - even if due to bad health luck - it's time for this team to make some noise.
Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks believe this team is a contender. They might be wrong; they might be right. As long as they have Giannis Antetokounmpo, they have a chance, but this roster has to mesh if this team wants to get back to its championship glory. How well this retooled roster does will be one of the biggest NBA storylines as teams keep their fingers crossed that Giannis asks out if the Bucks fall short of expectations again.
Giannis loves Milwaukee, but he also loves winning. The best way to keep this marriage intact is to get back to the two being synonymous.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.