This offseason has been rife with rumors of Giannis leaving the Bucks. But their front office has faith in the Greek Freak’s loyalty to the team.
Advertisement
Giannis has repeatedly stated over the past couple of years that he wants to win in Milwaukee. Given his public statements and the moves made by the Bucks front office, there is an innate faith that he will be faithful to the franchise.
The Bucks put their future in jeopardy by trading for Jrue Holiday. They sent 3 picks to the New Orleans Pelicans to seal this deal. This indicates the faith they have in the Greek Freak’s commitment to Milwaukee.
Why Bucks front office thinks the Giannis situation is different from LeBron James or Kevin Durant
There have been a couple of infamous trade scenarios over the past couple of seasons in the NBA. Through the Kawhi situation, the Butler situation in Minnesota, AD with the Pelicans – they all expressed their desires to move well ahead of time. It is tough to draw a parallel with such situations here.
Giannis is as homegrown to Wisconsin sports as they come. Jason Kidd, for all his faults as a head coach, identified his ability to be the focal point of their offense. He expanded his role over that of more vaunted prospects like Jabari Parker.
The Bucks allowed him to become the player he is today. A much-vaunted prospect like LeBron James or Kevin Durant might have less reason to be grateful to the team that drafted them.
A Look at how the Bucks’ season might shape up
The emergence of Khris Middleton as an elite offensive player has also given Giannis a running mate who complements his playing style. Much of the problem with their postseason form was in coaching and rotations rather than in the talent around him.
One gets the feeling that Mike Budenholzer’s job will be in jeopardy if he continues to play the Bucks the same way on defense. They concede too many open 3-pointers, and rely too much on transition. Jrue Holiday’s improved shooting and playmaking could, however, change that.
The onus will definitely be on Giannis to improve his shooting and decision-making in the post. The Greek Freak will himself have taken a long, hard look at his skillset. Given his commitment to better himself in ways that he’s shown us in the past, he seems to be the kind of guy that will try his best to get over the hump.
Of course, Giannis could always secure the bag at Milwaukee and then demand a trade, as it would enable him to make more money and exhaust his options fully before angling for a trade aimed at netting a championship. Only time will tell what decision he will make, as he keeps his cards close to his chest.
