The Milwaukee Bucks are at a critical crossroads right now. This comes after they crashed out of the postseason earlier than expected for the second season running. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. were expected to make a deep playoff run this season. However, after Damian Lillard picked up a season-ending Achilles injury, the Bucks looked lackluster. As a result, the Pacers dismantled them. Now, with no young players, draft capital, or even a salary cap to accommodate some free agents, the Bucks have to make a decision, and it has to be quick. That’s because all of these factors point to one thing and one thing only: the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee. So, can the franchise make the two-time MVP stay?
Well, ever since the Bucks’ season ended with disappointment, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s transfer rumors have been gaining traction, and rightly so. The franchise has failed to build around their superstar forward since their 2021 championship-winning season. Back when they won the title, the team was tipped to achieve greater heights with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the line alongside Jrue Holiday and Chris Middleton.
However, fast forward to today. Both Holiday and Middleton have left, and Giannis hasn’t been able to lead the team past the second round. This has led Giannis, for the first time in his entire career, to consider options outside of Milwaukee, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported recently.
However, a former Pacers legend and current Sixers star, Paul George, believes otherwise. The Philly veteran thinks that the Greek superstar isn’t cut from the same cloth as players from the United States.
“I think I mean, yeah, this is that old era cut he wanted, I think he wants to stay in Milwaukee his whole career,” George said on the latest episode of his podcast ‘Podcast P’. “You know, I mean I don’t see him, you know, want to leave, and you know, I you see that more so. You know the international guys. They kind of stay with a for the most part. So actually I mean they come from you know, a different world, you come to America, you get treated Royalty King all of that like s—. I’m this. They took care of my family. Like this home and I want over and I want here. So it’s a legacy thing.”
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Indeed, most players who come from other parts of the world usually make the team they started with their home. There have been plenty of such examples throughout the league’s history, such as Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavs or Tony Parker with the Spurs. Even Nikola Jokic can be a good example of how European players like to stick with one franchise. So, yes, Paul George might have a solid point! More so, because Giannis Antetokounmpo is, Milwaukee. We mean that the 30-year-old bleeds green, and it will be hard for him to leave the franchise, especially after winning a historic championship with them. Nonetheless, crazier things have happened in the league. So, you never know.
Meanwhile, an NBA legend believes that this Damian Lillard situation is something the franchise has to work with.
A former NBA star reveals a major solution to Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard problem
Well, we would not be having this conversation about Giannis Antetokounmpo if Damian Lillard had never gotten injured. However, that ship has sailed. The 34-year-old Milwaukee Bucks superstar is expected to miss all of next season after he suffered a catastrophic Achilles injury. So, there’s no telling when we will be hearing “Dame Time” anytime soon, if ever. While this is devastating news for the franchise, as it changes the entire envision for their future. However, Carmelo Anthony believes it’s something the team has to navigate through, instead of starting from scratch.
While on Paul George’s ‘Podast P’, Melo expressed his feelings about the situation in Milwaukee right now. “You had like They had the pieces, bro. Yeah, I think you want it. All right, granted, Jrue out. It was a major piece. All right, cool, granted. You still, That’s a piece it ain’t like you have to make that work that that’s a big and a wing that ain’t no Two wings. You have to figure it out.” Anthony said.
The former NBA star pointed out that the franchise wanted Jrue Holiday and Chris Middleton out, and they were granted their wish. In exchange, they acquired Damian Lillard, a superstar to suit up alongside Giannis. He stated that he had a star guard and a good big guy, so they should be able to work things out.
Nov 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
We are all aware that was not the case. However, he even stated that injuries should not be used as an excuse for their poor performances in the postseason. “I’m just saying this is how it was put together. When I said this is a part that I don’t like, everybody wants to keep making excuses about this,” He added. Indeed, this was the front office’s decision, and they have to stand by it.
While no one could’ve predicted this unfortunate injury to Dame, they could’ve avoided being in such a terrible position if they had a better-constructed roster. Either way, it seems like there is no other way out of this slump for Milwaukee apart from making immediate changes. What will they do? That’s something we all have to wait and watch, as a major offseason awaits Milwaukee.
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