Bucks GM Jon Horst talks about Giannis Antetokounmpo and what was behind his decision to stay in Milwaukee
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Giannis Antetokounmpo was the reason a lot of people in the Bucks organization. Their fanbase took a sigh of relief on December 15th when the 2x NBA MVP decided to extend his contract. He signed a 5-year, $228 million deal with the Bucks.
After inking the deal, the media interaction that Giannis had made it seem like it was a clear cut decision for him. However, that may not have been the case. The Bucks GM in his talk with The Athletic tells us how difficult a decision it was for the ‘Greek Freak’.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for him. I think it’s something that he went back and forth on, considered everything like he should, during a major decision like this in his life and for his career. And at the end of the day, I think he put faith in the organization, that we’re gonna continue to do everything we can to become great and be great every year, not just once.”
GM Horst believes Giannis Antetokounmpo has faith in the Bucks
In his talk with The Athletic, GM Horst also talks about what Giannis re-singing means. He had given the team the ultimatum to improve the roster, and they did, in the short offseason. The GM believes this shows Giannis has faith in the Bucks management.
“I think it shows mostly a lot about Giannis and his desire to win. To be part of a culture where winning is first and foremost, and where the resources are going to be provided to you to win. Push the envelope and be in a position, year in and year out, to compete at the highest level.”
“But to do it in a family environment, in a healthy environment. Where people want to come to work every day and enjoy what they do every day. And for us, the goal from day one has been to create that environment, create that culture, and not just do that, but also to win at a high level.”
ICYMI at @TheAthleticWISC: One-on-one with Bucks GM Jon Horst
One thing that stood out to me was the focus placed on bringing in more offensive talent, specifically shot makers and shot creators, this offseason. https://t.co/cD9psPrhr1
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 30, 2020
Giannis was also persuaded by his teammates to sign the extension. In the end, the future looks bright for the Bucks. They have Giannis there till 2025, when he gets an opt-out clause and a 15% trade kicker.
The Bucks are 2-2 to start their season, with Giannis putting up 21.5 points, 11.3 rebounds per game.