AP — SAUKVILLE, Wisconsin Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP, intends to delay signing a contract extension with the franchise, but new Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin says he is looking forward to building a wonderful collaboration with him.
The New York Times quoted Antetokounmpo as saying last month that he wanted to gauge the Bucks’ dedication to achieving another title before deciding whether to commit to a long-term contract to stay in Milwaukee. The Bucks’ recent coaching change was also brought up by the two-time MVP, who stated that he wanted to “see the dynamics” of how things operate with the new staff before making a choice.
Griffin declared on Monday during a golf outing in support of the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation, “Giannis and I are on the same page.” “So far, our relationship is excellent. It’s been enjoyable getting to know him. I want to win, and he does too. It’s that easy. I admire him. I admire what he has achieved in this league. We’re all here to succeed. That is not a problem for me. It’s a terrific partnership, in my opinion. Together, we will guide the team. The others will follow when he takes the lead. I deem it excellent.
With a 2025–26 player option, Antetokounmpo’s contract continues through the 2024–25 campaign.
Griffin said that despite having knee operations in the offseason, Antetokounmpo and forward Khris Middleton are anticipated to be ready for the start of training camp on October 3.
That is the strategy, Griffin stated. “They’ve been grinding and working their butts off in the gym every day. The most crucial thing, in my opinion, is to simply take each day as it comes. They are acting in this manner. It’s been wonderful.
In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, but they haven’t made it past the second round of the playoffs since. Last season, the Bucks had the best regular-season record in the NBA, but they were defeated 4-1 by the Miami Heat in the opening round of the playoffs.
After that shocking playoff defeat, the Bucks fired coach Mike Budenholzer and replaced him with Griffin, an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors for the previous five years. Griffin claimed on Monday that he is aware of the demands of the position and that he and Antetokounmpo have similar objectives.
Griffin declared, “We’re in step. We’re here to succeed. I only discussed embracing expectations with my team and our employees. We have an excellent roster. We want to embrace it rather than flee from it.
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