SAUKVILLE, Wis. – New Bucks coach Adrian Griffin anticipates forming a great partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo, even if the star player is not yet ready to sign a contract extension with Milwaukee.
Last month, Antetokounmpo told New York Times that he wants to see how determined the Bucks are to win another championship, before deciding to extend the adventure.
The NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2019 and 2020 is also waiting to see the dynamic with the new coaching staff.
“Giannis and I are on the same wavelength,” Griffin said Monday at the Bucks Foundation golf tournament. We have a great relationship so far.
“It’s nice to get to know him. He wants to win and so do I. It’s simple like that. I respect him. I respect what he has accomplished in this league. We are here together to win. »
Antetokounmpo’s contract extends through the 2024-25 season, with a player option for 2025-26.
Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are expected to be ready for the start of training camp on Oct. 3, after both undergoing offseason knee surgeries.
In 2020-2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971. Since that time they have not advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs, however.
The Bucks had the best record in the league in 2022-23. However, they were eliminated in the first round, beaten in five games by the Miami Heat.
After that, the Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer as coach and hired Griffin, who spent the last five seasons as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors.
Griffin said he understands the expectations that come with the position, and that he and Antetokounmpo have similar goals.
“We’re aligned,” Griffin said. We are here to win. The most important thing I’ve talked to my team and staff about is welcoming expectations with open arms. We have very good training. »
2023-09-11 22:07:38
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