NBA schedule release day is always fun, and everyone around the Milwaukee Bucks was looking for their matchups against a certain Miami Heat team. Giannis Antetokounmpo's return to Wisconsin isn't until January, but the Bucks head to Florida in November, where Tyler Herro will get his first opportunity to land a counter of his own against former teammate Bam Adebayo.
Headline bout: Herro vs Bam 2
This matchup is already loaded with storylines, with Giannis playing his first-ever game against the Bucks and all four players acquired in the deal returning to Miami for the first time. What really spices this up is the recent physical altercation between Herro and Adebayo during Summer League.
It was alleged that Herro was critical of Adebayo's performances during their time together in Miami, leading to the altercation.
Herro made it clear during his time in Miami that he didn't appreciate being constantly named in trade rumors for them to improve the roster. Now, he's relishing being back in his home state of Wisconsin and is playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Milwaukee has just two nationally televised games all year, both of which are matchups with the Heat. How this plays out will be so intriguing. Not only will Herro have a message to send to his former team and, of course, Adebayo, but Kel'el Ware had his own quarms with the Heat. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Herro are fighting for extensions, too, and there's no better way to prove your worth than against your former team.
Bucks' roster will also have their own feelings on the matter
Fingers crossed for a drama-free season for once with the Milwaukee Bucks. Myles Turner's comments on Giannis and the players being clearly affected by the uncertainty around the two-time MVP's future are another factor to add to this first game.
We know Giannis will be fired up, but some of the returning Bucks may also be because of the way last season panned out for them. There were few positives to take away from last season. Now, there is a clean slate for so many players, with the pressure off and the noise gone.
Turner has a point to prove. Kyle Kuzma is entering the final year of his contract. There are so many more storylines that sit under the umbrella of Giannis vs. the Bucks in these two games alone.
The rivalry that took place in the Bubble through 2021 and 2023 had died down slightly. It is certainly going to fire back up this season. Tyler Herro not only has a chance to prove his former team wrong, but he can also land a counter of his own against former teammate Bam Adebayo.
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